The new fire truck was driven on to the airport fire station earlier this week under a water arch display from the two current fire trucks. A blessing was then performed by iwi member Raniera Dallas.
Airport chief executive Stuart Harris said the new truck was a world-class addition to the airport, and it will improve the overall airport quality and safety to an international standard.
"It’s a real investment in the future of the airport," he said.
"We hope this is the biggest waste of money ever ... It’s like an insurance policy."
Airport operations lead Corey Diack said the fire crew were excited to have the new vehicle and it was a long wanted upgrade.
"It’s just bringing a whole other level of professionalism to us. It’s replacing some old gear, and this machine has an amazing capacity ... The whole station is just buzzing."
The price of the truck was confidential but it was believed to be about $1 million.
Mr Diack said the new truck has more capacity and reach than the station’s current two trucks combined .
"Even for carrying crew, it’s got more crew capacity, so we can get more hands on helping out," he said.
Mr Diack said the airport fire crew were also on the lookout for more crew members, and the new gear would add some attraction to the role.
Rosenbauer Australia and New Zealand managing director Arthur Weimer was on hand for the unveiling of the truck, and gifted Mr Diack with a ceremonial key and Mr Harris with a miniature replica.
He said the truck, a Panther 6x6S, was affectionately called the "baby panther" within Rosenbauer, as it was a 2.5m version of the full-sized trucks recently bought for other airports around the country.
"One of the biggest differences with this truck and the full size counterpart is that this being road legal also allows you to assist the local community, should they be unfortunate and I hope it never happens, an incident outside the airport.
"This truck alone probably carries more water than your four or five standard fire trucks in the city. It gives you an ability to fight the fire completely differently, and I’m sure you guys will find that creative ways of utilising its capabilities. It’s a phenomenal piece of kit."
The truck could easily stay in service for 25 to 30 years if looked after properly.
The unveiling of the new fire truck’s name is set to take place during the airport’s fun day this weekend.
By Ben Tomsett
