The beginning of the year has swung between disruptive storms and bright, sun‑soaked days, reminding us how quickly conditions can change and why staying prepared matters for everyone.
Community Emergency Hub and States of Emergency
In the first four months of this year, ten districts declared States of Emergency lasting between one and two weeks, and a further eleven shorter emergencies affected multiple regions for a few days. These events underline how quickly local services and power can be disrupted.
So we are in the final stages of equipping the Lake Ōkāreka Community Emergency Hub. Together with LŌCA, we purchased a 44 kVA generator to keep the hub running during prolonged power outages caused by severe weather or other natural disasters. Thanks to local support from Brad Christie of BSK Consulting Engineers for the structural design and building consent exemption application, and Stu Pinfold’s Hudson Transport for delivering the generator to the station. Once council approval is granted, we’ll lay foundations and install the generator.
LŌCA and Rotorua Lakes Council have supplied additional equipment and resources for the hub. The Lake Ōkāreka Community Response Plan and Evacuation Guide are available online at www.lakeokareka.org/okareka-civil-defence. Please read both, so you know what to do, where to go, and what to expect from our local natural hazards.
Community Emergency Hub and States of Emergency
In the first four months of this year, ten districts declared States of Emergency lasting between one and two weeks, and a further eleven shorter emergencies affected multiple regions for a few days. These events underline how quickly local services and power can be disrupted.
So we are in the final stages of equipping the Lake Ōkāreka Community Emergency Hub. Together with LŌCA, we purchased a 44 kVA generator to keep the hub running during prolonged power outages caused by severe weather or other natural disasters. Thanks to local support from Brad Christie of BSK Consulting Engineers for the structural design and building consent exemption application, and Stu Pinfold’s Hudson Transport for delivering the generator to the station. Once council approval is granted, we’ll lay foundations and install the generator.
LŌCA and Rotorua Lakes Council have supplied additional equipment and resources for the hub. The Lake Ōkāreka Community Response Plan and Evacuation Guide are available online at www.lakeokareka.org/okareka-civil-defence. Please read both, so you know what to do, where to go, and what to expect from our local natural hazards.
Severe Weather Responses
We’ve been busy on the ground. This year, the brigade has been called out four times to clear trees blocking both lanes of traffic. Two incidents to note:
We’ve been busy on the ground. This year, the brigade has been called out four times to clear trees blocking both lanes of traffic. Two incidents to note:
- On 11 February, lightning struck a tree on Acacia Peninsula, and it caught fire. A quick-thinking neighbour used a garden hose to extinguish the flames before the brigade arrived.
- On 13 February, a large tree struck a local resident’s car as they were entering Lake Ōkāreka. The driver avoided serious injury, and the fire and ambulance services assisted at the scene.
New Firefighters and Training Progress
Support volunteers
Why this matters: Every new recruit and volunteer increases our ability to respond quickly and safely. Training is ongoing and supported by the brigade, so new members can build skills while contributing to the community.
- Briana Lang and Coniah Erasmus joined the brigade in October. Since then, they have completed the introductory vegetation firefighter course, a medical first aid certificate, and a defensive driving course. Their driver’s licenses have been reimbursed. They will complete a fire pump operation in May, an aircraft safety course, and a vehicle and structure fire course in June.
- Finn Dooley joined in March and will begin his first courses in May.
- Arlo Garden is about to start the joining process.
Support volunteers
- Liz Waterhouse kindly volunteered in November to look after the station gardens.
- Clarence Compton has managed our lawn mowing since January 2025.
- Nigel Escott has volunteered since December 2024, carrying out essential monthly vehicle and equipment checks of our fire trucks and ute.
Why this matters: Every new recruit and volunteer increases our ability to respond quickly and safely. Training is ongoing and supported by the brigade, so new members can build skills while contributing to the community.
How You Can Help
Volunteer roles we need
Get involved. If you are interested in joining as a firefighter or in a support role, please contact me.
Small actions that help
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the brigade so far, especially the locals who stepped up with expertise and logistics. Your time, skills, and generosity make a real difference when our community needs it most.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and if you want to be part of the team that protects Lake Ōkāreka, we’d love to hear from you.
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
Volunteer roles we need
- Frontline firefighters
- Support roles include station care, uniform management, treasurer, and secretary
- Garden and grounds volunteers to keep the station safe and welcoming
- Community Emergency Hub volunteers
Get involved. If you are interested in joining as a firefighter or in a support role, please contact me.
Small actions that help
- Keep driveways and access routes clear for emergency vehicles
- Trim or report hazardous trees near roads and power lines
- Prepare a simple emergency kit and plan for your household
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the brigade so far, especially the locals who stepped up with expertise and logistics. Your time, skills, and generosity make a real difference when our community needs it most.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and if you want to be part of the team that protects Lake Ōkāreka, we’d love to hear from you.
Kierin Oppatt - Chief Fire Officer
Lake Ōkāreka Volunteer Fire Brigade
027 777 5130 or [email protected]
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