# RNZAF C-130J Hercules delivers fire truck and FENZ crew to Niue

Date: 10 Oct 2026
Released by: New Zealand Defence Force

## MediaRelease.co Summary

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has flown a surplus Fire and Emergency New Zealand rural firefighting truck, equipment, a drone and six FENZ wildfire specialists from Christchurch to Niue. The island's wildfire, which burned scrub and plantation vegetation, is controlled and being monitored by local crews. Air Commodore Andy Scott said the deployment reflects New Zealand's support for its Realm partner, and FENZ will provide training and technical advice.

## Original release

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has delivered a fire appliance to the Pacific nation of Niue, currently controlling a local wildfire, to bolster its response capability. The surplus Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) light rural 4WD firefighting truck, along with firefighting equipment, protective gear and a drone, was loaded onto the aircraft at Christchurch International Airport on Friday before flying to Niue. Six FENZ staff with specialist wildfire knowledge and drone capability to support efforts to suppress wildfires in Niue were also aboard. The wildfire in Niue, which has burned scrub and plantation vegetation, has been controlled and is being monitored by local firefighters. “The C-130 had just returned from another Pacific deployment and made a quick turnaround to get down to Christchurch to load the truck and get back in the air to Niue,” said Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott. “This is the kind of situation we train for, where getting people, equipment and vehicles quickly to where they are needed can make a crucial difference. “As a Realm partner, Niue can count on New Zealand's support in times of need. Working alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and FENZ, the New Zealand Defence Force is proud to respond with urgency and assist efforts to protect communities and strengthen local firefighting capability." FENZ National Commander Megan Stiffler says the New Zealand contingent will provide training and technical advice to Niue firefighting staff to support them in their ongoing management of wildfire risks. The island has experienced the fires recently and was also preparing for the dry season ahead, she said. “We are pleased to be providing flexible and practical assistance that addresses current operational pressures while strengthening local firefighting resilience for the future.”

## Key details

- Issued by: New Zealand Defence Force
- Published: 10 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: New Zealand
- Original source: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/rnzaf-c-130j-hercules-delivers-fire-truck-and-fenz-crew-to-niue/
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/nz/mr01799-rnzaf-c-130j-hercules-delivers-fire-truck-and-fenz-crew-10102026.html

Original source: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/rnzaf-c-130j-hercules-delivers-fire-truck-and-fenz-crew-to-niue/
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