The latest concept images of a new purpose-built marine firefighting training facility have been released.
Mahuika will provide modern, environmentally responsible learning experiences to our future maritime workforce.
The facility will be operated by New Zealand Maritime School (NZMS) which is currently a subsidiary of MIT.
It will ensure those entering the key maritime and marine sectors receive training to fight fires in a simulated ‘on-ship’ environment which is a key part of the school’s delivery.
MIT and Unitec’s move towards a region-wide model for vocational education has allowed for developing this high-quality asset at Mt Albert campus which utilises simulation technology and clean-burning LPG fire props to significantly reduce smoke and particulate emissions.
The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into the design will allow students to run through a wide range of realistic firefighting scenarios, multiple times, safely and with minimal environmental impact.
Environmental protection has shaped every decision in Mahuika’s design. Project Manager Michael Muirhead has worked closely with specialist consultants in emissions management and water treatment, ensuring every system meets or exceeds best-practice standards.
Throughout the process, Auckland Council has been actively engaged to ensure that the facility presents no negative effect on the whenua ‘land’ or surrounding ecology.
A major focus has been the management of water runoff, and the project has benefited significantly from the expertise and support of WaterCare.
This has led to the integration of holding tanks, controlled water-capture systems and the exclusive use of bio-based training foam eliminating risk to soil and waterways.
Mahuika reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and kaitiakitanga ‘guardianship’ in all aspects of its operation.
“The academic benefits are significant,’” says MIT General Manager of Schools Pip Schollum-Manase.
“Our transition to operate as a single entity across the region has afforded us this exciting opportunity to deliver a stronger, more cohesive learning experience to students entering a vital sector of this country’s economy. It’s hoped locating this delivery close to the region’s major population centres will make a future in these sectors visible and accessible to more learners.”
“This new facility will help us deliver phenomenal training. Combined with the quality of teaching already in place, it adds yet another reason why learners will choose to study with New Zealand Maritime School,” says Dan Brady, General Manager of Infrastructure Operations, who has taken part in live-fire training at multiple sites across the country.
From concept through detailed design, every element of Mahuika reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship, outstanding teaching and modern, future-focused education.
MIT and Unitec looks forward to welcoming students and staff into this world-class facility that honours the land it stands on and strengthens our ability to train the next generation of maritime professionals.
Is playing with fire a good idea, in the middle of a busy campus. Surely where there is a marine fire training site, there will be smoke,fumes, extreme heat, hazardous chemical sprays to kill the fire and a risk the fire will spread, or a possible flash over. How are safety, noise and environmental managed. There are little if any exclusion zones to speak of when using the old bld 170 site. Some of our students and staff may suffer from asthma, they will suffer more.
I this the best location for such a facility ?
The design of fire training facility at every point has focused on 2 primary outcomes; student & staff safety and minimal environmental impact.
The facility does not burn materials for the fire fuel, rather, it utilises LPG which is clean burning.
For a rather crude (but accurate) comparison, it is akin to having 4-5 BBQ’s operating at once. Without something on the BBQ there are no emissions.
With respect to flashover, the nature of the fuel and managed temperature means that the nature of the facility does not support the environment for a flashover to occur.
There are also additional safety attributes including monitoring windows, an emergency gas cut off and emergency ventilation purge (to remove heat as there are no emissions/ smoke)
The heat maxima has been capped in line with guidance from Fire and Emergency NZ and is at a temperature appropriate for a learning environment, it is not extreme heat with respect to impact on radiant heat, risk to those operating within the facility (in Structural PPE) nor those beyond the exterior of the perimeter fence.
We have partnered with our Environmental impact specialist consultants at every stage throughout the design to ensure both emission, & water runoff is well covered with respect to our role as Kaitiaki of the Wairaka whenua. Auckland Council have been engaged throughout to ensure compliance is a minimum standard.