Fonterra gifts rare fire engine

The 1977 Dodge fire engine is one of only two ever built, and is the only one still in its original condition; it has been part of the Fonterra Te Rapa emergency response team (ERT) since 1992, after more than a decade in the New Zealand Fire Service.

The engines, built in Rotorua, are the only ones in the world built to these exact specifications. They have a smaller engine than a standard fire truck, and were designed as a first responder.

Fonterra Te Rapa ERT member David Rabjohns said the engine has served the co-operative well over the past 23 years and is now destined for another fulfilling role at the museum.

"The whole team is excited to hear that one of the long standing members of the ERT team will be put to good use at the Wellington Fire Museum," says Rabjohns.

The fire truck will be driven from Te Rapa to its new home in Wellington, joined by a Fonterra tanker and a New Zealand Fire Service fire engine at school visits along the way.

"Keeping safe on our roads is the number one priority for our tanker drivers and part of that is helping spread road safety messages in the communities in which we operate. This trip is a chance to speak to new generations about the importance of keeping safe on the roads," he said.

Wellington Fire Museum Curator Matt Silver approached Fonterra about donating the vehicle to the privately funded collection, bringing the museum's total number of fire engines to 15.

"I'm extremely grateful to Fonterra for generously donating this unique engine to the museum. The museum relies on donations. If it wasn't for companies such as Fonterra, the collection wouldn't exist," says Silver.