Matapiro Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade

03/05/2026

Our last training literally had us in knots.... Clove hitch to support the coupling, overhand knot and bite attached to the pump, also refreshing the good old reef knot.. We use this set up when we are pumping water out of a water source.

Also big congratulations to Andre Stehfest who spent a week away covering off several of the basic training units.

09/04/2026

With the cyclone on its way, please check any burn piles as winds can reignite any embers even down deep. Please refrain from lighting any new fires. Stay safe everyone and know that your local rural fire fighters are here to help.

18/03/2026

Last nights training saw us making the most of the last of the light evenings and heading down to the river. Here we set up drawing from the river, pumping to a portable dam. From the dam we split and pumped one to the trucks tank and the hose off this and then to another hose. Great training.

09/03/2026

04/03/2026

Last nights training saw us refreshing our CPR, O2 therapy and defibs training. We are not only rural fire fighters we are co responders too! Motor vehicle accidents or medical events our friendly faces maybe the first ones you see.

03/03/2026

Planning a land management burn?

Check out these hot tips from us:

Always check whether it’s safe to light a fire and if you’ll need a fire permit at checkitsalright.nz

Once you’ve checked the fire danger using our tool, select notify us at www.Firepermit.nz or on 0800 336 922 (0800FENZCALL). This lets us know you have a planned burn in the area.

Plan your escape route. It’s important to have more than one way out.

Identify a safe zone that is clear of vegetation in case you can’t evacuate and need shelter in place.

For more information safe and effective land clearance and stubble burns have a look at https://www.checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk/fire-for-land-management

16/02/2026

Last night we were lucky to head to Hastings and train with Hastings Volunteer Fire Fighters. it was great to head somewhere different and have a look around their setup.

16/02/2026

Are you planning a burn on your property? Let us know first! 🔥

Whether you are in an open season or you have a fire permit, letting us know when you plan to burn can reduce unnecessary call outs for our crews.

By using this simple online tool and notifying us of your burn:

✅ Our 111 Dispatchers know there is a planned burn in the area.

✅ Calls from the public reporting this fire can be cross-checked with what we know is happening in the area.

✅Our teams can check in with the land owner to make sure their burn is still safe and under control.

✅ It reduces unnecessary call outs for our crews keeping them available for emergencies instead of turning up at your fire.

📲 So before you light your fire, remember to let us know first at https://www.firepermit.nz/fenz/Default.aspx or for those without internet access call 0800 336 922 (0800 FENZ CALL)

16/02/2026

The Hawke’s Bay District will move to an open fire season from 9am Wednesday 28 January.

An open fire season means fires can be lit without a permit, as long as people use common sense and follow fire safety guidelines, which can be found on www.checkitsalright.nz.

💡Now is also a good time to ensure your property is prepared in the event of fire.

🏡Cut your grass, keep it short, and check your driveway is clear to allow fire trucks access if necessary

🪵 Keep burn piles small. Don’t light more than one at a time and have sufficient means to fully extinguish any burn offs.

📲 For fire safety advice and more information on how to prepare your property head to www.checkitsalright.nz