Applying for a fire permit in the Queenstown Lakes District will be a simpler process from 1 July, when the new Otago Rural Fire Authority (ORFA) comes into effect.

The Authority has been formed through the merger of the current six Rural Fire Authorities managed by Otago’s local authorities and the Department of Conservation, and is the largest rural fire authority in New Zealand.

Locally, that will mean people wanting a fire permit on rural land will no longer have to work out whether they should be applying to the Council or DOC, because all permits will be issued by the ORFA.

Jamie Cowan, the newly appointed Deputy Rural Fire Officer for the Southern Lakes, will be based at Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Dr Stephanie Rotarangi, the Chief Executive of the new organisation and its Principal Rural Fire Officer, says the merger has been in discussion for many years, but was formally approved by all parties late last year.

“For the most part, the Enlarged Rural Fire Authority won’t bring dramatic change,” Dr Rotarangi says.  “Our Rural Fire Forces in the field will deliver the same fire response and services to landowners, from the same locations.

“Our mandate, to protect the country we value, remains the same, as does our proud heritage of rural fire-fighting in Otago.”

The benefits of centralisation would come through more consistent governance, administration and services to fire-fighters, and simpler access for landowners seeking permits and advice.

“Previously it could be confusing and time-consuming for landowners to get a fire permit.  Some farmers had land that covered more than one Authority, each with its own plan and processes.

“From next week, they will have one contact for rural fire, and over the next few months we will be working on one Fire Plan.”

The local authorities and the Department of Conservation will continue funding at existing levels to fund the new Authority and are providing on-going support.

By: QLDC