Wednesday, 13 March 2019 07:14

Fire tractor a hit

Written by 

Although it's painted like any fire truck and has flashing lights and a siren, a Case IH Farmall tractor named Kahu isn’t fighting fires.

Instead, its Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s (FENZ) way of starting conversations about fire safety, developing greater resilience, fire prevention and volunteer sustainability in rural industries. 

National risk reduction manager Rob Saunders says the tractor signals FENZ’s intention to reduce the risk of fire in rural homes, buildings and vegetation. 

“It’s a tool to help engage with the community in a fun and unique way. Kahu has been traveling the country to appear at numerous community events.”

Unveiled at National Fieldays 2018 at the FENZ site, the tractor got a great response from children and adults alike. The site also had a burnt-out tractor, and the two machines led to discussions about maintenance, spotting bird nests and accessibility and water availability for firefighters.

Kahu was at lots of events last year including the Poverty Bay A&P show in Gisborne, Omokoroa School where it was used to help educate children about fire safety, and Turangi for the annual Christmas parade.

More like this

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about to be introduced into both markets.

CNHI spreads its wings

Since CNH Industrial announced the establishment of a new retail footprint for New Holland machinery in New Zealand early this year, many of its Case IH dealerships have been taking over dealer responsibilities for the New Holland brand.

Tractors power cyclone recovery

Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to farming communities on New Zealand’s east coast, with many still dealing with the aftermath.

Tech, heritage on display

The power of technology and the significance of a rich heritage were the focuses for Case IH and New Holland at this year’s National Fieldays.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter