Awhitu Volunteer Fire Brigade

This weekend just gone we had a farewell dinner for our former chief Alex Christoffersen
Celebrating the past 3 years of Alex being a part of our station as chief.
Alex was presented with a beautiful Patuahi made by some of our brigade members Morehu Glassford, Doug Pinker, Phoenix Brown and Wynn James Goodwin.

Alex has been a great asset to the team and has done so much for our station, While we are sad to see you leave, we are grateful for all you have contributed during your time with the Āwhitu Fire Brigade. We wish you every success and happiness in the next chapter ahead and on behalf of everyone at Āwhitu Fire Brigade thank you once again for everything you have done.

Huge congratulations to Dane Millar on becoming a Cheif Firefighter! 👨‍🚒🔥👨‍🍳

What an incredible achievement and a true testament to your hard work, dedication, and passion for serving others. Balancing the skills of a cheif with the courage and commitment of a firefighter is something truly special.

Wishing you all the success in this exciting journey ahead — your community is lucky to have you. Proud moment and well deserved!

Kemp road is closed due to a slip. Please use an alternative route.
Council has been notified, hopefully it will be cleared soon.

Drive safely.

🚨 STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR THE WAIKATO CDEM GROUP AREA

A State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato CDEM Group Area at 9.32am this morning for a period of seven days, as a proactive step ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu this evening.

This decision has been made due to the likelihood of significant impacts across the area, including damaging winds, flooding, and disruption to power and transport networks.

Declaring a State of Emergency allows Civil Defence to coordinate the response across Waikato and, if required, use emergency powers to help protect life and property. These powers can include closing roads, evacuating areas, and accessing resources quickly.

At this stage, we do not know whether these powers will need to be used or not. However, declaring early means we can act quickly if conditions worsen, or if the cyclone unexpectedly changes track.

👉 Head to our website for more information: https://www.waikatocivildefence.govt.nz/public-information/cyclone-vaianu/

Kia kaha Waikato

⚠️ Cyclone Vaianu Safety Alert ⚠️

A cyclone is approaching, and your safety is the top priority. Please take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel
• Secure loose outdoor items and close all windows and doors
• Keep emergency supplies ready (water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit)
• Charge your devices and stay updated through official weather and emergency channels
• Avoid floodwaters and downed power lines
• Follow evacuation instructions immediately if advised by authorities

Check on family, neighbours, and anyone who may need extra support. Stay calm, stay informed, and stay safe.

🚒 Become a Volunteer Firefighter- Make a real difference 🚒

Are you ready to step up when your community needs you most?🧑‍🚒

We’re looking for some more dedicated, courageous and community-minded individuals to join our team of volunteer firefighters 🧯

Whether you’re looking to give back, challenge yourself or be a part of something bigger, this is your chance.

If this sounds like a bit of you contact us or come down to the Awhitu Fire Station on Wednesday evenings at 7:20pm, meet the crew and see what we get up to!! 🚒🔥

Day light savings is the perfect time to check your smoke alarms are working and change the batteries.

Will you check your smoke alarms this daylight saving?

1. Check your smoke alarms are working by pressing the button. The end of a broom handle is a great help! 🧹

2. While you’re there give them a little dust, a minute of maintenance could save lives!

3. Check in on elderly whānau or neighbours. Fifty percent of avoidable deaths in house fires are people over the age of 60. This is something we can change.

It's not rocket science, do it today!!

Wednesday night training.

The crew headed down to Awhitu District School to put up tarps for the annual Easter Auction happening tomorrow.

Come on down!!
Gates open at 8 and the auction starts at 9

Grab a bite to eat, check out the art, get yourself a bargain and meet some of the crew!

Hi All, Awhitu is in open fire season. Like always, we advise you to be careful when lighting a fire. With open fires, it is always a good idea to have water on standby. Do not put anything hazardous into a fire.

https://www.checkitsalright.nz/

‼️A deep subtropical low is approaching the country from the northwest on Wednesday.

Associated fronts are expected to move over the upper North Island from Wednesday through to Friday, bringing sustained heavy rain 🌧️and severe easterly gales 🌬️
to many areas of the North Island and upper South Island.

🟠 🟡 Warnings and Watches for heavy rain and strong winds are now in force.

👀 Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts as more warnings are likely to be issued in the coming days.

Latest warnings
🔗http://bit.ly/AllWarnings

Metservice Severe Weather Outlook
http://bit.ly/SWOutlook

NZ Civil Defence
Auckland Emergency Management
Civil Defence Northland Civil Defence Waikato Bay of Plenty Civil Defence NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Auckland NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty Northland Regional Council Auckland Council Waikato Regional Council Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council