Airport fire safety rescue building to house LandSAR
A new rescue and fire safety (RFS) building at Whangārei Airport is shaping up to be a big win for our District’s Land Search and Rescue volunteers (LandSAR), thanks to quick thinking by members of the community.
When the number of flights by commuter planes increased at the airport, it triggered a Civil Aviation Authority requirement to increase fire rescue services.
Around the same time, Council staff heard about the plight of the LandSAR volunteer group, which carries out search and rescue operations about 13 times a year.
Because of Northland’s terrain and communication dead zones, rescuers drive to locations when needed and use a mobile base, which includes a caravan, trailer and ute. They also have quite a lot of search and rescue equipment (cliff-rescue ropes etc.), which they need to store, and facilities for training. Without a permanent base, they have been shifting through a series of empty buildings across our District over the years.
Following discussions, the decision was made to provide space for them to store their equipment at the new RFS building, and to use the building’s facilities for training and to hold meetings.
We applied for $150,000 to expand the building and include space for the LandSAR base, from the 'Better Off' funding associated with Three Waters reforms. The balance of funding is from central government through the Ministry of Transport.
The new operational building and hangar will accommodate two fire trucks, airport administration offices and the LandSAR equipment, including their vehicle and mobile command unit (caravan).
The build will be completed by Hill Construction by May 2025. Follow our project page to track its progress:
Rescue Fire Service Operational Building
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.4% Yes
-
46.6% No
Sunday Christmas Market @ Reyburn House Town Basin
Sunday 14 December · 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
Get ready for a festive day out at our Sunday Christmas Market!
Wander through a wonderland of arts, crafts, handmade gifts, delicious food, and unique local shopping—perfect for those last-minute Christmas presents or a special treat for yourself!
- Dog Friendly – Bring your furry friends along
- Free Parking
- Free Entry – Everyone welcome!
Whether you're supporting local makers, enjoying the holiday atmosphere, or just looking for a relaxing Sunday outing by the water, this is the place to be.
Location: 17–30 Reyburn House Lane, Town Basin, Whangārei
Come and celebrate the magic of the season with us! ✨
See you there!
Loading…
