Competitions Relocated from Christchurch to Wellington

5 April 2011

International Firefighter Vehicle Extrication Competitions Relocated from Christchurch to Wellington

The Australasian and World Road Rescue Challenges - firefighter vehicle extrication competitions originally scheduled to take place in Christchurch will now be hosted in Wellington from 14 to 17 July 2011.

With the earthquake striking only four months out from the event, the United Fire Brigades¹ Association ¬ the host organisation ¬ needed to act fast to secure a new venue. Wellington was the best alternative to host the anticipated 40 firefighter teams that will travel to New Zealand from around the world.

³With the circumstances in Christchurch, cancelling the event altogether would have been understandable,² says George Verry, UFBA Chief Executive Officer. ³But it¹s a great opportunity for New Zealand and we really wanted to stand by our commitment to the international fire community, so we immediately started looking for other options.²

Several cities were being considered, but Wellington won out because it has visitor appeal, all the amenities are in close proximity, and it¹s the most convenient option for the UFBA staff - based just outside the city centre.

³We have a lot to do to get organised in a few short months. Holding the event in Wellington will allow our staff to have easy access to all the venues and should expedite the planning process.²

³We are grateful for the support we¹ve continued to receive from our sponsors in this situation,² says Verry. ³Holden, Holmatro, Chubb, Gore, and Packexe smash have been fantastic.²

Verry says Verry says more than one location within Wellington is being considered for the competitions, and a decision on that will be made in the next few weeks. Town Hall has already been confirmed as the venue for the post-competition prizegiving function.

About the Road Rescue Challenges: In road rescue challenges, firefighters are put in scenarios that simulate real-life road crashes, designed to test and develop their vehicle extrication and medical response skills. To maximise learning outcomes for competitors, the Challenge includes a learning symposium, workshops, and a trauma challenge.

The event is being managed with support from the World Rescue Organisation and Australasian Road Rescue Organisation.

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