Papanui Rotary Club Chat 17 May 2022
17 May 2022
Peter Moore on the Job
Peter Moore, the Chief Fire Officer & Manager Airfield Operations of Christchurch International Airport, gave us an informative talk about his team’s valued work. Peter, who was introduced by Kathy, began by noting that he was a Rotarian while serving as Chief Fire Officer in Tonga some time ago.
He began by showing us a video of a large fire aboard a China Airlines flight just after it landed in Okinawa. This was a very dangerous fire and we were impressed with how quickly those on board were evacuated from the plane before the cabin fractured. Peter next shared with us key information about the fire service operation at Christchurch International Airport.
Panthers on Patrol
Christchurch Airport is rated Category 9 (the max rating is 10) for rescue and firefighting purposes, according to International Civil Aviation Organisation classification. AFS operates 24/7, 365 days a year and employs 46 staff, with a minimum of nine fire fighters on duty at any one time.
“This means we are resourced to respond with a minimum of three vehicles, with a total capacity of 26,900 litres of foam solution at a rate of 12,900 litres per minute, along with 450kg dry chemical powder at 4.5kg per second. We are required to be able to reach the furthest point of the airfield within 3 minutes of the alarm being raised” continued Peter.
The AFS operates specialised, state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles manufactured by Rosenbauer. Their major foam vehicles are the Panther model (above), including a High Reach Extending Turret, while structural fire and medical emergency response is provided by the smaller Airwolf model.
AFS fire fighters respond to approximately 550 calls per year, mostly for aircraft, medical, general fire and hazardous substance emergencies. They also perform a wide range of airfield services including runway inspections, wildlife management, perimeter security and foreign object checks and removal.
When asked what some of the requirements are to join the team, Peter noted that the first key test is for colour blindness and if present it is an automatic “no”. A willingness to learn and work as part of a focused team is also highly valued.
The organisation is a private company owned by Christchurch City Holdings. Part of the airline landing fees are used to finance their operation. Training is a big part of their daily activities in order to ensure they are ready to both keep the airport area safe and to be able to respond rapidly to emergencies that may arise.
Max thanked Peter for his overview of the valued work his team provides not only to the airport but also to other emergencies in the greater Christchurch & nearby areas when called upon.
Please note that, due to Covid, this has been postponed for now. We will be in touch once things settle.
Deryn & Grant
Have you emailed Deryn at datregurtha@gmail.com your favourite song and who sang it? Remember to do this ASAP so the organising team can prepare for this fun evening.
Bridgestone Working Bees: “We need your help.”
As per recent Chats, the next upcoming event at the “Bush: is this Tuesday as follows:
Tuesday 17th May: NZ Conservation Trainees, group training for a job in Conservation, will be coming to help us starting at 9:00 am.
Come and join us to meet the trainees and work alongside them.
Denis
A snap sent through by Keith of our experienced packing team at the completion of a recent Foodbank afternoon at Kilmarnock.
This Thursday the 19th of May we welcome Leah World about the continuing success of the Peer Support Programme that we support at Papanui High.
Be prepared to take part in some basic activities provided by some enthusiastic others who will be accompanying her.
Next week (the 26th) … details coming shortly.
Please make sure you email Deryn via rcpapologies@gmail.com if you are not coming to our weekly meeting.
For those quizzers among you …
Quizmaster Bert Walker: Well known in Christchurch Cricket & Soccer circles and for running quizzes around Chch.
When: Friday May 20th.
Time: Arrive at 6.30pm for 7pm start to quizzing.
Where: The new Richmond Club off Stanmore Rd. Carpark entry off London St or Avalon St.
Cost: $20 pp and tables of 6.
Finger Food supplied to each table. Private bar and happy hour until 8pm! Sold right there.
Raffles & Prizes: Excellent goodies.
Teams: So … get your team of 6 together and let Paul know at
If you don’t have a team – just turn up and we will get you sorted.
A reminder to collect up any unwanted handbags and scarves to donate to ZONTA for their sale on Saturday 2nd July at the St Albans Community Centre to raise funds for a local charity called "Project Esther" which provides wrap around support for women in crisis and "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren".
They need lots of handbags, all shapes and sizes, colours and styles, in good clean condition. Donate those handbags you no longer use or don’t like anymore or if you are just needing to make room for new handbags.
They also love to sell scarves and belts plus this year they would like to include special occasion hats - if you have any of these languishing in your wardrobe they would love to find them a new home too.
Please bring these along to the Thursday meetings at the Papanui Club.
Food for Thought