New Fire Appliances Strengthen Safety here at The Bay of Islands Airport Kerikeri

Bay of Islands Airport has boosted its emergency response capability with the arrival of two brand-new fire appliances – a major upgrade that will enhance safety for both airfield operations and the wider community.

The new Responder 4 appliances, purpose-built in Auckland by Aviation Fire Services Ltd, replace the airport’s 1980s-era fleet. Based on the Iveco Daily chassis, the vehicles are designed specifically for aviation rescue and firefighting, bringing advanced capability to Kerikeri.

Each appliance is equipped with:

• 1,950 litres of water and a high-performance pump capable of 1,200 litres per minute

• A bumper-mounted monitor with a reach of 45 metres, enabling firefighters to tackle fires safely from a distance

• Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (Performance spec C) as the primary firefighting agent

• 135kg of dry chemical powder as a secondary agent, suitable for fuel and electrical fires

  
  

Far North Holdings, which owns and operates Bay of Islands Airport, also acknowledges the valued support of Air New Zealand, whose contribution has helped ensure the arrival of the new appliances and the continued strength of the Rescue Fire Service team.

Rob Binney, Chief Operating Officer at Far North Holdings said the new trucks mark a significant step forward:

“These appliances represent a major investment in safety for Bay of Islands Airport. Not only do they support aircraft operations, but they also provide reassurance for the community that we are equipped to respond to emergencies with modern, purpose-built vehicles.”

The addition of the Responder 4 vehicles ensures Bay of Islands Airport Rescue Fire Service remains well-prepared for a range of scenarios, strengthening the airport’s emergency readiness for decades to come.