Latest news with #Fenz
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Fire station demo not a done deal: Fenz
Leaving Lookout Point's brick fire station off a council list of protected heritage buildings does not mean demolition is imminent, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) says. The Dunedin City Council gave 129 heritage buildings greater protection from demolition or modification without consent under changes to the district plan. A further 17 properties — including the Lookout Point Fire Station — that were initially proposed for protection were removed following a public hearing in May, a decision released yesterday confirmed. Fenz South Island regional property manager Stephen Hill said he was pleased with the decision, which gave the organisation "options" for the site's future. In May, the hearing panel of independent commissioner Rob van Voorthuysen and Crs Sophie Barker and Jim O'Malley were told the building was earthquake-prone and "significantly below" Fenz building standards. Any work to repair it would be considerable and costly. Fenz had detailed plans for a proposed new building to replace the station, but after the decision was released Mr Hill said demolition was not a done deal. "[The decision] doesn't mean that we're going to demolish it, and it doesn't mean we're going to significantly change it," Mr Hill said. "What it does is [it] let's us have the option of doing what we need to do to keep the site operational." The Lookout Point site was in an "optimal location" to best serve Dunedin and outlying areas, he said. The fire station was not the only significant building the decision affected. The University of Otago Archway Lecture Theatres received protection despite opposition from the institution and council planner Peter Rawson. Vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said the university was "very disappointed" by the decision to protect the theatres "particularly given it contradicts the recommendation of the council's own planning expert". "We presented compelling evidence as to why the Archway Lecture Theatres should not be added to the schedule, including the fact the theatres are the poorest quality of the 19-tiered lecture theatres on campus and that there have been plans in place for several years to remove the theatres." The panel was told since 2010 the university had considered demolishing the theatres — possibly replacing them with a formal garden space, which would enhance nearby Gothic buildings. Mr Robertson said opposing the planned protection "did not come lightly", but the university had to ensure its facilities met the evolving needs of students, staff and community. "We will now take time to fully consider the decision and our next steps." University of Auckland architecture Associate Prof Julia Gatley said she commended the council for increasing the number of mid 20th-century modern buildings on its heritage schedule and was "particularly pleased" to see the Archway Lecture Theatres included. In her role as chairwoman of heritage advocacy group Docomomo New Zealand, she made submissions in support of nine properties being added to the plan, including the Archway theatres. "The sculptural form, textured concrete surfaces and super graphics combine to make it such a gem," she said. "I hope [the university] leadership team are willing to rethink their current plans for this one in light of this very appropriate recognition of its heritage value." The New Zealand Defence Force and Kāinga Ora, which both had buildings protected despite their opposition, separately said they planned to review the decision before deciding on next steps. Submitters can appeal to the Environment Court within 30 working days of the decision.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Demolition not a done deal: Fenz
Leaving Lookout Point's brick fire station off a council list of protected heritage buildings does not mean demolition is imminent, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) says. The Dunedin City Council gave 129 heritage buildings greater protection from demolition or modification without consent under changes to the district plan. A further 17 properties — including the Lookout Point Fire Station — that were initially proposed for protection were removed following a public hearing in May, a decision released yesterday confirmed. Fenz South Island regional property manager Stephen Hill said he was pleased with the decision, which gave the organisation "options" for the site's future. In May, the hearing panel of independent commissioner Rob van Voorthuysen and Crs Sophie Barker and Jim O'Malley were told the building was earthquake-prone and "significantly below" Fenz building standards. Any work to repair it would be considerable and costly. Fenz had detailed plans for a proposed new building to replace the station, but after the decision was released Mr Hill said demolition was not a done deal. "[The decision] doesn't mean that we're going to demolish it, and it doesn't mean we're going to significantly change it," Mr Hill said. "What it does is [it] let's us have the option of doing what we need to do to keep the site operational." The Lookout Point site was in an "optimal location" to best serve Dunedin and outlying areas, he said. The fire station was not the only significant building the decision affected. The University of Otago Archway Lecture Theatres received protection despite opposition from the institution and council planner Peter Rawson. Vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said the university was "very disappointed" by the decision to protect the theatres "particularly given it contradicts the recommendation of the council's own planning expert". "We presented compelling evidence as to why the Archway Lecture Theatres should not be added to the schedule, including the fact the theatres are the poorest quality of the 19-tiered lecture theatres on campus and that there have been plans in place for several years to remove the theatres." The panel was told since 2010 the university had considered demolishing the theatres — possibly replacing them with a formal garden space, which would enhance nearby Gothic buildings. Mr Robertson said opposing the planned protection "did not come lightly", but the university had to ensure its facilities met the evolving needs of students, staff and community. "We will now take time to fully consider the decision and our next steps." University of Auckland architecture Associate Prof Julia Gatley said she commended the council for increasing the number of mid 20th-century modern buildings on its heritage schedule and was "particularly pleased" to see the Archway Lecture Theatres included. In her role as chairwoman of heritage advocacy group Docomomo New Zealand, she made submissions in support of nine properties being added to the plan, including the Archway theatres. "The sculptural form, textured concrete surfaces and super graphics combine to make it such a gem," she said. "I hope [the university] leadership team are willing to rethink their current plans for this one in light of this very appropriate recognition of its heritage value." The New Zealand Defence Force and Kāinga Ora, which both had buildings protected despite their opposition, separately said they planned to review the decision before deciding on next steps. Submitters can appeal to the Environment Court within 30 working days of the decision.
Otago Daily Times
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Five firefighters to help in Canada
Five Otago firefighters will spend the five weeks battling wildfires in a region of Canada, which has just declared its second state of emergency this year. Glenorchy volunteer firefighters Sonya Porteous and Dale Jefcoate and their Dunstan counterparts Tony Smith (crew leader) and Ewan Richmond, and Wakari rural fire brigade member Chris McLeod, a commercial arborist, are part of a 43-strong Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) taskforce assisting in Manitoba. The taskforce includes an agency representative, two taskforce leaders and eight five-person "arduous firefighting crews", of which Otago's is one. Additionally, Fenz sent a seven-person incident management team to the region last week. Other countries to send firefighters to date include Australia, South Africa and the United States. All crews would be there for about five weeks, working in 16-hour shifts for 14 days, with 10-hour standdowns between shifts, taking a few days off, and then doing it all again. Fenz said as of Friday morning there were 518 wildfires raging across multiple Canadian provinces — 145 of those were considered out of control and of those 105 were in Manitoba. On Saturday morning, New Zealand time, the New York Times reported the wildfires in Manitoba were on pace to scorch the most land there in 31 years — so far this year, over 1 million hectares has burnt, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. "The firefighters are considered arduous firefighters," Fenz said in a statement. "It is tough, physical work. "Previous Canadian deployments have seen arduous firefighters using hand tools to dig out hotspots, cut fallen branches, clear access tracks and escape routes, mop up, and all the other jobs associated with fighting large-scale fires." Fenz Otago group manager Bobby Lamont, of Queenstown, said Otago had sent "the five best out of our region", all of whom were crew leaders in their respective brigades. Mr Lamont expected the terrain to be hilly, swampy and arduous and while they would have some air support, most of the work would be done on the ground. Mr Smith, who had been a firefighter for 27 years, was on his second deployment to Canada and had also been to Australia twice previously, expected much of the work would be focused on controlling the fires. They would push fires "away from builtup areas where there are people — it'll keep burning ... until it snows", Mr Smith said. While there was a level of danger associated with any fire, they would do their best to stay out of harm's way. "We all want to come home in one piece." He also noted the experience equated to about five years' training in New Zealand. Mr Lamont said there were limited opportunities for long-duration incidents, so the experience was "absolutely invaluable — not only for the firefighters, but for our incident management teams". "Getting over there, immersed into 28 days of active firefighting and management, it's the gold standard."
Otago Daily Times
27-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Unsafe heater blamed for farm fire
A volunteer firefighter's quick action averted catastrophe yesterday morning at a Maniototo dairy farm when a fan heater, the subject of a recall, caught fire. Initial officer in charge Senior Firefighter Ewan Mason, of Ranfurly, said the Serene S2068 heater was installed in a plant room. Heating the room to protect pumps and equipment was a sensible decision but unfortunately that particular heater was not. A tradesman who was also a volunteer firefighter, working nearby on the property, recognised the smell of burning plastic, SFF Mason said. His quick action with a fire extinguisher soon had the fire out. Fire appliances from Ranfurly and Naseby attended the 111 call that was made but were not needed, he said. It was a timely reminder to check any permanently installed fan heaters to ensure they were not the recalled Serene S2068, which Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said had been involved in many fires in the past year. SFF Mason said fan heaters needed consistent, thorough maintenance to make sure there was no buildup of dust or fluff. The fan drew air into the heater and with it dust and fluff, which could then catch fire when it came in contact with the hot element. Fenz advises if you have a Serene heater in your home: — Check if your heater has the model number S2068. — If you have this heater, do not use it! Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters. — If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely. — The model number is located on a sticker on the top side of the heater. This can be difficult to read. A good tip to view the model number is to use your phone camera in selfie mode to view and take a photo of the label. — There is a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters. — If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considers there is a low risk from continued use. However, if you observe an unusual smell or noise from the heater, do not use it and contact an electrical worker to check it over.
Otago Daily Times
22-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
First step toward demolition of award-winning lecture theatre
A planner's recommendation could clear the way for the University of Otago to demolish an award-winning lecture theatre. As part of proposed changes to the district plan, the Dunedin City Council has identified 146 buildings which are protected under the heritage schedule. Following hearings last month, council planner Peter Rawson recommended six of the buildings be removed from the list, including the University of Otago's Archway Lecture Theatre. Archway lecture theatre: Treasure or toilet block? Mr Rawson accepted the university's view the theatres were no longer fit for education and refurbishment was not possible. The university's evidence indicated scheduling the building would have a high cost and "constrain their ability to operate efficiently and effectively". "Therefore, I consider that the costs of scheduling the Archway Theatres building outweigh the benefits, and it should not be scheduled as a heritage building." Vice-chancellor Grant Robertson said yesterday the university was "highly supportive" of the recommendation, which aligned with its submission to the hearing panel. In his written submission, he asked for the building not to be included on the heritage list, saying the university was considering demolishing the theatres and the neighbouring Gregory Building — possibly replacing them with a formal garden space. Victoria University of Wellington senior architecture lecturer Christine McCarthy opposed the building's demolition, and said the recommendation was extremely sad. "It is such a progressive, innovative and challenging building that embodies the ethos of what a university would hopefully be striving for. "It's a shame that these values don't appear to be appreciated and that the architecture has been only understood superficially and conservatively." The Archway Lecture Theatre building was built in 1974, designed by notable Dunedin architect Ted McCoy, and won a New Zealand Institute of Architects Southern Architecture Award for enduring architecture in 2020. Mr Rawson also recommended proposed protection be dropped for the Lookout Point Fire Station, saying scheduling it could prevent Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) providing a fit-for-purpose fire station. In October, the council granted a certificate of compliance for the demolition of the building and an unattached accommodation block, meaning Fenz had a five-year period in which it could demolish the buildings, regardless of heritage protection. Protecting the building could have the "perverse outcome" of encouraging Fenz to demolish within that period, Mr Rawson said. Council city development manager Anna Johnson said a decision on the heritage plan change was expected to be released next month. "The second hearing will address the remainder of the matters covered by Plan Change 1 and will likely be in August 2025 — a separate decision would be released for this hearing."
