The Dunstan Volunteer Fire Brigade welcomed fellow firefighters, friends and family on Saturday (July 8) to its first purpose-built fire station in Alexandra, 25 years after the brigade formed in 1998.

Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds officially opened the $2.85M station for the rural brigade and its supporters. Kai Tahu kaumatua Darren Rewi opened the proceedings with a karakia and had earlier blessed the building.

The station has four truck bays, a dedicated Personal Protective Equipment gear room, specialised firefighting equipment washdown areas, laundry facilities, fit-for-purpose showers, toilets, office space, a kitchen, and training room.

Barbara spoke of two volunteer firefighters who died while on duty in Muriwai earlier this year and of others who had made “the ultimate sacrifice”.

“Fire and Emergency cannot provide the nationwide service it does without our volunteers,” she said. 

“We thank you today and everyday for your service.”

Two of the volunteers who would have received Years of Service Awards were not at the opening, as Tony Smith (25 years) and Ewan Richmond (five years) were currently deployed to Canada assisting local firefighters there. They were referred to often during the ceremony, despite being far from home.

Fire and Emergency NZ board member Belinda Clark also paid tribute to “the employees and family members that provide an invisible web of support” to the brigade”.

The Dunstan Volunteer Fire Brigade has 23 members who respond to rural incidents across the Otago region. The new station is adjacent to the Alexandra Fire Station.

The Dunstan brigade plays an essential role specialising in vegetation firefighting and providing tanker support, and attends an average of 51 incidents a year.

Fire and Emergency deputy national commander Steph Rotarangi said the new station was purpose-built for the rural firefighting fleet and provided much needed safety improvements for the crew.

Firefighters, family and friends listen to FENZ region manager Mike Grant during the official opening of the new Dunstan Fire Station on Saturday (July 8)

Region manager Mike Grant said it was a great milestone for the brigade and would have a positive impact on the local community.

"The Dunstan brigade has been proudly serving the community for 25 years and it’s exciting to see them settle into their new home. The new station and facilities will support our volunteers to do what they do best - serve their community," he said.

The $2.85M for the new station, including the site purchase and demolition, was funded by Fire and Emergency and a $340,000 contribution from the Central Otago District Council.

Dunstan Volunteer Fire Brigade controller Nigel Greaves said the brigade was “absolutely stoked” with the purpose-built facility that they had input into designing.

“It’s a pleasure palace compared to where we were,” he said. “It’s everything we wanted and much more.”