Dial 111 - Takaka Fire Fighters Scheme

The township of Takaka, in the Tasman district previously had no reticulated water supply. Water for fire fighting was drawn from numerous wells around the central business district (CBD), but these were not reliable and deemed inadequate. 

Originally, the Council proposed installing a fully reticulated water supply funded by a Ministry of Health subsidy and from rates. Due to several aspects including cost, this was opposed by sections of the community; however it was acknowledged that the risk of fire, especially in the CBD would severely impact the town. 

A working party was set up and the final recommendation was to install a fire fighting reticulation network around the CBD only. The completed design now allows local and immediate access to water supplies required by the fire service. 

The design and construction phase required significant consultation with affected businesses through which the timing and management of the project was agreed to minimise disruption within the busy Christmas period and construction season.

This paper presents the issues in implementing a scheme that began after the Fonterra fire of 2005 through to the challenges during design and construction. It also highlights what many Local Authorities can face in addressing the needs of smaller communities with an adequate level of service at an affordable and practical level.