News (2021)

A new year brings a new page for Latest news! All news for the year 2021 will be here. If you have any news you want to contribute, leave a comment in the section at the bottom of the page!

## News Page for 2022:

We've reached the end of another year, which means it's time to switchover to a brand new new spage for 2022!

**Click here to view!**

## Partial Expansion/Upgrade at Maraeroa School

As 2021 nears end, there's still room for more news. One of Porirua's smallest schools, Maraeroa School in Cannons Creek, has recently had some renovations done, causing a minor Fire Alarm adjustment. Alliance Fire & security have added a previously un-protected small building and the other main classroom block (previously on 60s Vigilant equipment) to the existing Vigilant Sigma 5 conventional system in the schools main block, which was installed by Wormald during a previous renovation.

The School Hall has been left out, instead remaining on it's own separate Ampac NZ400, installed when the current hall was built. The addition of the other two blocks has maxed out the Sigma 5's Zone Capacity, to to add on the hall would mean either reducing the hnumber of zones in the main block or replacing the Sigma 5 with a larger panel.

Alliance has retained the Vigilant 1841 call-points that Wormald put in with the Sigma 5, whilst the old 1960s call-points have been replaced with new KAC units.

(26/12/2021)

## ENGIE Services to become EQUANS

This news actually came out six months ago (1st July) but it has only just come to my attention. ENGIE Groupo has announced that it incororate its global services operations into the EQUANS brand, a company that is wholly owned by ENGIE Group. While EQUANS is headquartered in France, the business in Australia and New Zealand will be led by a local Australian management team, overseeing the company’s local operations. Customers of the original business will see no disruption in their contracts and will continue to benefit from the advantages of working with the wider ENGIE Group which will wholly own EQUANS.

A new EQUANS sticker has been noticed recently fitted to the Pertronic F120A system at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, a venue owned by Porirua City Council, whom have been using ENGIE for a number of years now.

(23/12/2021)

## Emerson installs NZ400 in Kelburn

Kelburn is a suburb with just a few small shops withs little of interest, however recently a new Ampac NZ400 has been installed in one of the shops there by Emerson Fire. The building was erected in 2009, but with no real fire alarm system fitted prior to the ne wone recently installed. The new system features Ampac ACP-02 call-points.

(12/12/2021)

## Petone's First Protec 6500

Emerson Fire has recently installed a brand new Protec 6500, distributed by Bensan, Addressable system at one of the many small retail and apartment blocks in the Lower Hutt town of Petone. The new system, comes as the upper part of the building is converted to apartments, with the existing Fish & Chips shop below. The Protec 6500 continues to prove extremely popular in the market of residential apartment fire alarm systems, with many companies displaying a preference towards it for these applications.

(11/12/2021)

## Argus selected for Generator's new Wellington location!

Generator is a provider of "Flexible Working Spaces", with many sites in Auckland as well as, now, their first Wellington site. The new facility has taken over the former Dunbar Sloane building at 30 Waring Taylor St, Wellington CBD and features a brand new Pertronic fire alarm system, installed by Argus Fire Protection. Allthough the cabinet is from an F16e, this is actually just a repeater, with the actual panel (addressable, either F100A or F220) hidden away in the basement.

(11/12/2021)

## RedFire Systems chosen for Renovation in Porirua

A small office building in Porirua has been fairly derelict thes epast few years, following the departure of tennants. However, the whole site is now under a hefty interior renovation, which includes a brand new fire alarm system. The new system is a Pertronic system (unknown model), installed by RedFire Systems.

(5/12/2021)

## From MX to F100A for BNZ Tower

The Fire Alarm system at the BNZ tower, Porirua's tallest building, has been partially upgraqded. with the exisiting Vigilant MX4428 addressable system recently replaced by a brand new Pertronic F100A by Fire Security Services. The upgrade is a purely panel-only replacement, with the original call-points (Vigilant 1841s) and other devices still in use.

(5/12/2021)

## Wormald introduces Protec 6500

In what might just be one of the biggest surprises of the year, Wormlad have installed their first Protec 6500 addressable system in Wellington, at the brand new soon-to-be-opened Te Ara o Puanga, which is an apartment building situated next door to Mary Potter Hospice in Newtown, and will be a source of revenue for the Hospice. I had already anticipated that Wormald might be selected, given that they already do the maintenance on the Ampac system that is currently installed in the Hospice itself. But I did not expect a Protec 6500 system to be installed!

Wormald are perhaps best known for their heavy use of Vigilant Equipment, owing to the fact that they were the main distributor of Vigilant Equipment prior to the merger between Tyco and Johnson Controls. Wormald have also been known for installing Pertronic and Ampac equipment, and for being a maintenance contractor (but not installer) of Notifier equipment. This is the first time Wormald has been discovered to have used Protec equipment, which is sold in New zealand by Bensan Distribution.

This discovery opens up new possibilities, as such that Wormald may choose to continue with this product and that now they have proven their ability to maintain the product, it may start becoming a popular choice within the school market (which is important given all state schools use Wormald for maintainece). I look forwards to hopefully seeing more Protec systems from Wormald in the future.

(16/11/2021)

## Pertronic system for 125-7 Featherston St

A building on Featherston St, known as "Inspire House" has received a brand new Pertronic Addressable Fire Alarm system from Emerson Fire, replacing the existing Vigilant FP1600 conventional system (supplied by James Hardie, featuring Ampac ACP-03 call-points). The new system places a repeater in place on the old panel, which located in an area with poor access, and puts the control panel in an easily accessed area within the centre of the building. The upgrade is a full replacement, with new audio devices and new Pertronic call points.

Emerson Fire maintained the old system, as well as installed the new. They will continue to do maintenance on the new system. I am not able to ascertain which model of panel has been used, but it will likely be either an F100A or an F220.

(15/11/2021)

## BSC Installs F4 at Petone Industrial Unit

If you've seen a BSC Fire installation, then 95% chances are that it's an Ampac. But sometimes BSC venture over to other brands, having done a few Vigilant Sigma 5's and some Pertronic panels in the past. In one of their latest installs, they have fitted a brand new Pertronic F4 system to a small 2-storey industrial unit in Petone. The new system features new Pertronic call-points.

BSC Fire underwent a major rebranding in 2018, launching a new logo, but continued to favour Ampac as their preferred supplier. It will be interesting to see if BSC opts for Pertronic more often going forwards.

(14/11/2021)

## Pertronic Upgrade for 29 Willis St

At a small 3-storey office and retail block in Central Wellington, a new Fire Alarm upgrade has been completed. 29 Willis St (also known as Caledonian Chambers) previously had an Ampac NZ3200 system, for which the installer is unknown and most recently maintained by Argus Fire Protection. The system featured Ampac's ACP-02 cal-points, and appeared to be an early-2000s system.

This has now been replaced with brand new Pertronic system (model unknown) by Fire Compliance Services, who have placed a repeater/mimic panel in the spot where the old panel was and have now placed the main panel at the back of the building. The new system features a total replacement of all equipment, including new speakers and new call-points. The new systems continues to be maintained by Fire Compliance Services.

(14/11/2021)

## Systems merged at Papakowhai School

The fire alarm systems have been a bit of a mess at Papakowhai School, with at least for different systems in use there. Recently, Alliance Fire and security completed rectified this, by removing the Ampac NZ3200, Vigilant Sigma 5 and Pertronic F1 panels and putting all building onto the existing Vigilant MX1 addressable system at the front, which Alliance had installed a few year prior. Brand new KAC call-points have been installed in all buildings, except for the front building, which retains the existing Vigilant 1841s put in when the MX1 was installed, however this could be becuase the building is currently under renovation. Many buildings have also received new speakers.

However - we're not done! There's a new prefab building with new classrooms, going in, plus the renovation of the staff room. This next phase of work is not being done by Alliance, but instead by Fire Compliance Services, which is odd considering they don't offer the Vigilant range for installs. It will be interesting to see them working on an MX1, considering that it is not a normal panel for them to be work on. Once the new prefab building is completed, the map will need to be updated again, as this will be a new zone (assuming they are going to put this new block on the MX1, which they'd be pretty stupid not to given the work gone in to reduce the number of panels down to one).

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

**Update 18/12/2021:** *The new prefab building has now been added to the MX1 by Alliance Fire & Security. Renovation work to the admin block continues under Fire Compliance Services, but is unlikely to require any changes to the map.*

(7/11/2021)

18/12/2021 - with new Block now added as Zone 17.
## MX1 for Oxford Crescent School

Oxford Crescent School in Upper Hutt is the latest school to be receiving a new Fire Alarm system, with a brand new Vigilant MX1 system currently under installation by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system replaces an old system of an unknown make, which used a mixture of Ampac ACP-03 and Vigilant 1841 call-points. The new MX1 system will use mainly KAC call-points, with some of the old Vigilant 1841's potentially being retained, due to them already having addressable modules in them, but this has not been confirmed.

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(31/10/2021)

## New system for Owhiro Bay School

A new fire alarm system has been installed at Owhiro Bay School, near Happy Valley, replacing an older Vigilant system. The new system is a Pertronic F100A Addressable system, installed by Fire Compliance Services, who are currently proving very popular on the School scene. The system features Pertronic call-points with a mixture of ceiling speakers and white electric horns. Note the "unprotected" building on the map. This is Owhiro Bay Kindergarten, which despite being on the same property is a separate entity with its own separate fire alarm system.

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(30/10/2021)

## I-Boss installs Pertronic System on Cuba St

In the non-pedestrianized area of Cuba St, sits an old building that has recently found a new purpose as an apartment block with a cafe and shops on the ground floor. A brand new Pertronic system (presumably F100A) has recently been installed by I-Boss Fire Ltd., who are doing very well at the moment with apartment block systems.

(16/10/2021)

## Mercure Hotel's Addressable Upgrade

In another case of Guardian Alarms replacing their own old systems, the Mercure Hotel on Willis St has had its old 70s-80s Guardian system replaced with a brand new Pertronic F100A system, once again installed by Guardian Alarms. This upgrade comes as part of a number of renovations and facilities upgrades at the hotel, with the lifts having also recently been heavily refurbished. Despite the brand new panel, the original 70s-80s Guardian Call-Points remain in use.

(16/10/2021)

## Guardian vs Guardian on Ghuznee St

In a small old building on Ghuznee St, an old Guardian System from the 70s-80s has been replaced with a brand new Pertronic F4 system - installed by none other than Guardian Alarms themselves! It is not clear if the call-points remain original or have been replaced,

(16/10/2021)

## New F100A on Dixon Street

It's not often you hear of one building having three systems over 10 years, but this has happened here at 94 Dixon St. The original system, a Vigilant FP1600, was replaced with a Pertronic F16e in the early 2010s. Now in 2021, the system has been upgraded once more, with Fire Security Services installing a brand new Pertronic F100A addressable system. The original Ampac ACP-03 call-points leftover from the very first system have been retained.

(16/10/2021)

## Pertronic Upgrade for Legal House

Legal House, known for the infamous pub "The Old Bailey", on the corner of Lambton Quay has replaced its original Vigilant FP1600 with a brand new Pertronic system, courtesy of Aquaheat NZ Fire Protection. It is not clear if the new system is an F100A or F220, but could easily be either. The system retains the original call-points, which are a mix of Pertronic and Vigilant 1841 units.

(16/10/2021)

## F220 for Equinox House

Equinox House, which has entrances on both Lambton Quay and The Terrace has recently had its original Pertronic F16e system upgraded with a brand new Pertronic F220 addressable system by Argus Fire Protection. The new system will continue to utilize many of the existing call-points, as many were installed only a couple of years ago when other renovations were done. The new system is the first time I have seen the "standard" size cabinet used for the F220.

(16/10/2021)

## Evolve Installs new Vigilant MX1 at Waimea Intermediate

Christchurch-based Evolve Fire Protection has kicked-off their new Nelson arm with a brand new Vigilant MX1 system at Waimea Intermediate, replacing and Ampac NZ3200 system. The new system, photographed by Sebastian, who kindly sent in these photos for us, features KAC all-points and the other usual appendages.

(10/10/2021)

## Nationwide Installs Protec 6500 in industrial unit.

In one of Upper Hutt's many industrial areas is a typical looking building, which has recently received a brand new Protec 6500 system from Nationwide Fire Protection, only the second-such system I have seen them install thus far. There was a tiny gap in the window where I could see the control panel, but I was able to get a photo of it. Thus, only the repeater is pictured here.

(10/10/2021)

## Contracts Awarded for next round of School Fire Alarm Upgrades

Within the last month, the results of the Tenders to upgrade Fire Alarm systems in Ministry of Education (MoE) Schools have been posted on the Government Electronic Tender service (GETS) Website. A number of companies from all over the country have won contracts to upgrade, replace or expand upon the Fire Alarm systems in state schools, as part of the Ministry of Education's ongoing, long-term plan to gradually upgrade all state schools with modern, state-of-the-art, addressable fire alarm systems. All of these new systems will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls), who are responsible for maintenance of all Fire Alarm Systems in MoE Schools.

**Auckland:**

* Chapel Downs Primary School | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Tirimoana School | Contract awarded to *ICE Fire Protection*
* Papatoetoe Intermediate | Contract awarded to *Johnson Controls New Zealand (Wormald)*
* Sylvia Park School | Contract awarded to *Johnson Controls New Zealand (Wormald)*
* Meadowbank School | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Puhinui School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Hauraki School | Contract awarded to *Fire Security Services Ltd.*
* Marina View School | Contract awarded to *ICE Fire Protection*
* Glenfield College | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Auckland Grammar School | Contract awarded to *Johnson Controls New Zealand (Wormald)*

**Coromandel Peninsula:**

* Thames High School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Hikutaia School | Contract awarded to *Pacific Building Services Ltd (PBS Fire).*
* Mercury Bay Area School | Contract awarded to *Ultra Fire Protection Ltd.*

**Waikato:**

* Ngaruawahia High School | Contract awarded to *SimplyFire Ltd.*
* Huntly Primary School | Contract awarded to *QA Fire Protection Services Ltd.*
* Forest View High School | Contract awarded to *SimplyFire Ltd.*
* Cambridge Primary School | Contract awarded to *HSM Group Holdings Ltd.*

**Bay of Plenty:**

* Whangamarino School | Contract awarded to *Pre Ignition Bay of Plenty Ltd.* | (new company formed Januray 2021)
* Greenpark School | Contract awarded to *Ultra Fire Protection Ltd.*
* Bethlehem School | Contract awarded to *Ultra Fire Protection Ltd.*

**Hawke's Bay:**

* Hastings Central School | Contract awarded to *HSM Group Holdings Ltd.*

**Wellington & Wairarapa:**

* Masterton Intermediate | Contract awarded to *Alliance Fire & Security*
* Carterton School | Contract awarded to *Alliance Fire & Security*
* Belmont School | Contract awarded to *Alliance Fire & Security*
* Karori West Normal School | Contract awarded to *Alliance Fire & Security*
* Evans Bay Intermediate | Contract awarded to *Fire Compliance Services Ltd.*

**Nelson-Marlborough:**

* Rai Valley School | Contract awarded to *Defend Fire Protection Ltd.*

**West Coast:**

* Westport South School | Contract awarded to *Defend Fire Protection Ltd.*

**Otago & Southland:**

* Andersons Bay School | Contract awarded to *Tansley Electrical*
* Logan Park High School | Contract awarded to *Aotea Electric Southern Ltd.*
* Mornington School | Contract awarded to *Tansley Electrical*

(7/10/2021)

## Evolve Fire Protection moves into Nelson Market

Christchurch-based Evolve Fire Protection is currently in the process of installing their first system in the Nelson region, with a brand new Vigilant MX1 system being installed, as seen on their Facebook Page. The company was originally the Canterbury arm of Auckland-based Triangle Fire Protection, before splitting for Triangle to become Evolve. The company installs a variety of systems, including Pertronic, Vigilant and Notifier Systems. The introduction of Evolve to the Nelson market is an interesting step, as there is currently no known installer of Notifier equipment currently operating in Nelson, and it will be interesting to see if Evolve becomes the first!

(6/10/2021)

## Ampac Announces Discontinuation of Classic FireFinder range!

Ampac has announced in past 10 days that the classic FireFinder addressable system will be "made obsolete" from November 1st, 2021. In an official statement, Ampac stated that complications in the supply of components rising from the ongoing global pandemic have led to the decision to end production of the classic "FireFinder". From November 2021, Ampac will only be offering the "FireFinderPLUS" and "LoopSense" addressable systems, as well as their existing conventional offerings.

Read the official statement here.

(23/9/2021)

## Pertronic F4 installed at new Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club

The brand new Lyall Bay Surf Life Saving Club building was recently completed, with the Fire Alarm system having also recently been installed. The system is a Pertronic F4 Conventional system, and has been installed by Argus Fire Protection. The system is a standard, typical F4 system and uses the usual Pertronic MCPs.

(19/9/2021)

## Protec 6500 for new Apartments in Lower Hutt

A new block of apartments is on track for completion in Lower Hutt city centre, with the Fire Alarm system currently undergoing installation. The building is an existing structure that is being expanded and renovated into an apartment block. The new Fire Alarm system is a Protec 6500 Addressable system and is being installed by Argus Fire Protection.

(11/9/2021)

## F100A for Industrial Building in Seaview

This one's from a couple of months ago, but a recent lockdown has prevented me from going to check it out. This industrial building in Seaview recently saw an total replacement of its Fire Alarm system, upgrading from an Ampac NZ400 conventional system to a Pertronic F100A Addressable system, with the number of zones increased and all new equipment. The new systems was installed by Fire Security Services, who continue to maintain the system.

(11/9/2021)

## New Pertronic System for Johnsonville School

In the ongoing trend of NZ schools getting new fire alarm systems, Johnsonville School has received a new Pertronic Addressable system (most likely F100A, but not confirmed), installed by Wellington-based Fire Compliance Services. The new system covers all buildings, except the prefab building on the field next door, which remains on the Pertronic F1 system it came with.

This new system replaces a mixture of Old Vigilant Gear, Ampac gear and a Pertronic F4 (installed by Guardian Alarms).

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(14/8/2021)

## F220 for new Wakefield Hospital!

The new block that has just opened as part of the Wakefield Hospital redevelopment has a brand new Pertronic F220 addressable fire alarm system, installed by Tawa-based Aquaheat Fire Protection. The new building is part of a huge redevelopment to replace the aging and earthquake-prone buildings of the current Hospital. The actual control panel can't be seen, but the repeater panel by the front door is fitted with an LCD display, which confirms the system to be an F220.

The old hospital uses a mixture of Ampac, Vigilant and Benefis equipment, connected to a Pertronic panel installed by Redfire Systems, who maintain that system. It is unclear right now if Redfire systems will continue to serve as maintenance contractor for the hospital or not.

(8/8/2021)

## Refurbishments nearly done at Silverstream School

Silverstream School's Pertronic Addressable system has had quite a few names on it! The system was first installed by Fire Security Services, when the front two buildings and hall were renovated. Alliance then expanded the system when a new building was constructed at the back of the school, and now Fire Compliance Services have taken on the role of completing the system, with the renovation of the blocks on the school's right hand side. The final part of the upg4rade means that all buildings are connected to one system, with Pertronic Equipment used throughout.

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(1/8/2021)

Older MCP installed by Fire Security ServicesBrand new MCP installed by Fire Compliance Services
## Expansion at Ferguson Intermediate

Ferguson Intermediate School in Upper Hutt has recently had a brand new prefab building added to its campus, resulting a new zone being added to its existing Fire Alarm System - a Vigilant MX1. It is unknown who originally installed the MX1, as the existing Vigilant 1841 call-points are a mixture of both wormald-branded units and unbranded units, with no name being shown on the panel. However, the new zone means that the map-card has been updated, thus it now bears the name of the contractor, Alliance Fire & Security. The new unit features the new Vigilant KAC call-points, making it obvious that these the new units.

As this is a state-owned school, the system will continue to be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(1/8/2021)

AFTERBEFORE
## Titahi Bay School upgraded!

Another school has recently been upgraded, with a brand new Pertronic F100A system recently installed at Titahi Bay School by Alliance Fire & Security, maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls). The new system replaces a mixture of Pertronic, Vigilant & Guardian equipment.

(31/7/2021)

## F100A for Mt Cook School

A new fire alarm system is almost finished at Mt Cook School, with the system's repeater panel with map-card and LED index the only major part left to be installed. The new system is a Pertronic F100A, which is being installed by Alliance Fire & Security, and will be maintained by the Ministry of Education's contractor, Wormald (Johnson Controls).

The new system replaces a mixture of several Pertronic F4 conventional systems, as well as some old Ampac gear.

*(Update 23/1/2022 - photo of new Repeater panel now included)*

(31/7/2021)

## MX1 upgrade for Birchville School

Another recent school upgrade is Birchville School, located in the Upper Hutt suburb of Birchville, near the Remutaka Hill range. The new system is a Vigilant MX1, and has been installed by Alliance Fire & Security, replacing a mixture of Vigilant, Guardian and Ampac equipment. The new system features the new KAC call-points, which I was not able to get a decent photo of, due to poor weather.

As Birchville School is a state-owned school, the Fire Alarm System is serviced by Wormald/Johnson Controls NZ.

(17/7/2021)

## I-Boss installs Protec 6500!

The Protec 6500 is gradually attracting more and more customers in the Wellington region, with I-Boss Fire the latest to try out the UK-made addressable system. The new system, which is distributed in NZ by Bensan Distribution, has been installed at a brand new 2-storey apartment complex on Pirie Street in Central Wellington. The system comes with the standard KAC manual call-points.

(3/7/2021)

## Fire Security Services begin using Maintenance Stickers

Some Fire Protection companies like to put little stickers on devices (such as call-points, smoke detectors, etc), which show that the device has had it's yearly test. These stickers are generally small, round and change colour each year. The stickers usually contain the name or logo symbol of the company and the year.

The only three companies do this in the Wellington region until recently, have been Wormald (JCI), Argus Fire Protection, and Alliance Fire & Security. However I have now found some of the first examples of such stickers that will be used by Fire Security Services. Using these is not compulsory in the industry, and it often takes extra time to attach a sticker to each device, hence why so few companies use them.

Below is a close-up of the new FFS sticker, as well as example of other companies stickers, plus a diagram of the colours used by each company going back as far as I have been able to ascertain.

(2/7/2021)

## MX1 installed at new apartments in Tawa

Small blocks of apartment units don't usually get fire alarm systems, but a Vigilant MX1 Addressable system has recently been completed at this new build in Tawa by Alliance Fire & Security. It looks like there could be some kind of retail or business on the Ground Floor, which could've prompted the installation of the system. Unexpectedly, the system is using the old Vigilant 1841 call-points instead of the new KAC's. However, construction of this new block has been ongoing for a very long time now, and the call-points could have been installed prior to the launch of the new KACs, since it is not uncommon for devices such as call-points to be installed months ahead of the panel (Queens Arcade got it's new call-points nearly a year before the panel was eventually installed).

(26/6/2021)

## Aotea Fire installs Notifier at Ramada

A brand new Ramada (by Wyndham) Hotel on Taranaki St, Wellington CBD, is in the final stage of completion, with some parts already now open. The brand new hotel features a brand new Notifier AFP-3030 addressable system, installed by Aotea Fire. This system has a massive control panel, and internally there are typical Notifier-branded KAC call-points and ceiling speakers.

(13/6/2021)

## Pertronic for new Sunset West Apartments on Victoria St

I-Boss Fire has installed a brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system at a brand new apartment building on Victoria Street, Wellington CBD. The new apartments are called "Sunset West" and are almost completed. The new Fire Alarm system was installed recently and features typical Pertronic call-points and ceiling speakers.

(13/6/2021)

## Protec 6500 installed at Industrial Unit in Avalon

An Industrial unit in Avalon Business Park, Lower Hutt, is currently being prepared for a new tenant. A new fire alarm system has recently been completed as part of the conversions being made to the unit. The system is a Protec 6500 Addressable system (distributed by Bensan), installed by Hutt-based Emerson Fire. This is the second Protec 6500 I've seen Emerson install. Although units in this business park are all conjoined, each unit has its own Fire Alarm system, using whichever contractor the tenant chooses. This is the first unit in the area to recieve an Addressable system.

(5/6/2021)

## Pertronic system for Brandon House

Brandon House, located on Brandon Street in Central Wellington has received a new Pertronic Addressable system, supplied and installed by Alliance Fire & Security, as part of massive renovation. The old office block has been transformed and given a new lease of life with complete external and internal renovation. The new system is either F100A or F220, but I don't know which.

(31/5/2021)

## F100A for rebuilt Glenview School

Glenview School in Porirua East has built 3 brand new small prefab units to replace their single 2-storey block. The new build features a Pertronic F100A, installed by Hutt-based I-Boss Fire Ltd. The system uses Pertronic MCPs, Ceiling Speakers, and outdoors uses RedBack horns (which have been stolen!).

(22/5/2021)

## Worser Bay School Upgraded with MX1

Another School Upgrade has been confirmed, at Worser Bay School on Wellington's South Coast, near Seatoun & Mirimar. The new upgrade was completed by Johnson Controls/Wormald, with a brand new Vigilant MX1 system. I'm unsure of the exact installation date, as this was my first visit here, but the fact it has Vigilant's new KAC call-points means that it was done within the last year. Ceiling Speakers are used for audible devices.

(22/5/2021)

## ENGIE Completes Queens Arcade with new Sigma 5

Last year, out very first news article was that of the Fire Alarm upgrade at Queens Arcade in Lower Hutt, which has undergone a massive renovation. The new system has been installed by ENGIE, and is a Vigilant Sigma 5. Despite this being a new system, work started back in early 2020, before Vigilant launched the new KAC Call-Points, thus the old Vigilant 1841s were used. A Repeater has been installed at the front, which oddly is a Pertronic F16e cabinet, but according to one of ENGIE's Fire Alarm technicians, there is a Vigilant circuit board inside. The F16E was a spare unit lying around and the decision was made to put it to use. The system used standard ceiling speakers.

Work on the new system was slow, taking over a year. This is due to the extended length of time it took to renovate the building. I am unsure if there might be more finishing touches made. Currently, the Map-Card in the Sigma 5 is a piece of paper, rather than the proper plastic card. Hopefully ENGIE will rectify this.

(21/5/2021)

## Pertronic retires F120A in favour of F220

Pertronic Industries has officially discontinued production of the F120A Addressable fire alarm system, in favour of their F220 system. The F120A was the third addressable panel developed by Pertronic, following on from their still highly-successful F100A and the original F40. The F120A was particularly popular for use of large systems, such as tall buildings, schools, shopping malls and more. Pertronic describes the product on their website as a "sophisticated and versatile fire alarm control panel, designed for all installations that require flexible configuration and control functions". It offered 2 to 20 analogue addressable loops, with up to 159 detectors and 99 modules (including manual call points) per loop: A maximum 3180 detectors and 1980 modules or MCPs!

The F120A has been replaced by Pertronic's new state-of-the-art F220, which was first launched in Australia in 2016, and then launched in New Zealand in 2020, with the first unit being installed at Pertronic's headquarters in Taita, Lower Hutt (Wellington). The F220 has become one of the company's most successful products across the ditch in Australia, and is expected to become popular accross New Zealand in the future, with some new units having already been installed nationwide.

Pertronic has also been offering a conversion kit since 2020 that allows you to convert an existing F120A into an F220 unit.

(19/5/2021)

## New Wainuiomata Countdown opens with Notifier AFP-3030

The much awaited new Countdown store, replacing the old store, has opened in Wainuiomata this week. The new store, much like the Ministry of Social development building next door, has a Notifier AFP-3030 Addressable fire alarm system, installed by Aotea Fire, a Dunedin-based Electrical firm that has recently entered the Wellington market. The system features KAC manual call-points and Notifer horn-speakers.

This is not the first time Countdown has used Notifer equipment, but it is the first example of them doing so in the Wellington region. Countdown owns the whole site that is being redeveloped, including the MSD building next door to the supermarket. Countdown has a nationwide maintenance with Chubb Fire & Security, who maintain most (but not all) of the fire alarm systems at Countdown supermarkets. It is unclear whether or not Chubb will eventually takeover maintenance of the new Wainuiomata site.

(15/5/2021)

## Much needed upgrade for Konini Primary School

Konini Primary School, located in Wainuomata, Lower Hutt, has had a much needed Fire Alarm system upgrade. The school had been using a mixture of Vigilant and Ampac equipment from different generations in some buildings, and one small building at the back of the school had no system at all. The new fire alarm system is a Vigilant MX1, installed by Alliance Fire & Security. The new system features the new-standard KAC manual call-points with ceiling speakers used for audio devices.

Konini Primary School is a state-owned school, so the system will be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls).

(15/5/2021)

## F100A for Tinakori Rd

A small apartment building with a dairy shop on the ground floor is undergoing a huge renovation, which includes the installation of a brand new Fire Alarm system. Guardian Alarms has been chosen for the installation of the new system, and they are installing this brand new Pertronic F100A Addressable system. The new system features Guardian-branded Pertronic call-points and typical ceiling speakers.

(14/5/2021)

## Alliance chosen for Stihl Shop Petone

Stihl, a German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment, has chosen Alliance Fire & security for their new store in Petone, Lower Hutt. The new fire Alarm system is a Pertronic F4 conventional system with typical Pertronic call-points installed. The new store was built in an existing building that was previously an industrial unit. The whole building has had a top-to-bottom renovation, including a hefty facelift to the front.

(8/5/2021)

## System Expansion for Upper Hutt Arts Centre

The community facility & arts centre in Upper Hutt has had a new extension built on the back, and the existing fire alarm system has been adapted to suit. New zones have been added in, and a new map-card placed into the panel, which includes the logo of the contractor carrying out the work, Fire Compliance Services. The mimic panel at the back of the building is a new addition.

The system is a Pertronic F16, originally installed by Fire Security Services (similar name, but don't get them mixed up with Fire Compliance!), who have been doing maintenance on the system ever since. It is unclear if they will resume maintenance duties after this upgrade is completed or if Fire Compliance will take over. The original MCPs and other devices have been left in place, with new ones only fitted in the new area.

***The panel was NOT actually signalling a fire, despite the picture - engineers were on site working on the system and conducting tests.***

(7/5/2021)

## Coastlands Second Extension block receives new Sigma 5

A new extension block to Paraparaumu's Coastland's Shopping Centre is mostly complete, with many areas of the new building now open. The new building closely mirrors a similar block that opened in 2017. I had initially expected the new block to feature a Fire Alarm system from Argus Fire Protection, since they have installed & maintained the systems for both the 2017 and the mall itself (both Pertronic systems), so I was very surprised to see that Wormald had been selected for the installation of the new system, and that the Vigilant Sigma 5 had been chosen.

The new system is the first Wormald-installed system in the Wellington region to use the new standard KAC manual call-points that were introduced by Vigilant in 2020 to replaced the Series 1841 "break glass" units.

(28/4/2021)

## New Fire Alarm systems in Kilbirnie!

Two new fire alarm systems have been identified in Kilbirnie recently. The first is at ANZ bank, which has a brand new AMPAC NZ400 system, installed by Nationwide Fire Protection. This is an interesting development, as the two other ANZ's to recently have new systems installed both got Pertronic F4's from Fire security services, but it cannot be proven if any of ANZ's new systems were chosen by them or by external landlords. The other new system in Kilbirnie is a small building that has recently had a new Pertronic System (unknown model) installed by Fire Security Services, as part of a renovation.

(16/04/2021)

## Aotea Group enters Wellington Market!

As we wave goodbye to one contractor with the loss of Life Safety Service, we welcome another, with Aotea Group expanding into Wellington! Aotea Group, based in Dunedin, is an organization that owns several electrical and security companies around New Zealand , including Wellington-based Seven Electrical. The company has recently moved into Fire Protection, installing systems under the name "Aotea Fire".

Aotea Fire has been chosen to install new Fire Alarm equipment in at least one of the new building being built as part of the Wainuiomata Redevelopment, with a brand new Notifier System recently being installed in a small shop. A new countdown is being built next door, and I would expect that Aotea Group are likely to be installing the system in here too, given that this is one giant project.

Aotea Group also offers Pertronic Equipment (as I have seen them install in Masterton), and possibly others to. I loom forward to seeing more Fire Alarm systems from them in the future.

(13/3/2021)

## F220 for Bupa!

Pertronic's newest Addressable system, the F220, has recently been installed at Bupa's newly refurbished Liston Heights Retirement Village in Taupo. Bupa has also selected the F220 for new developments current under construction in Hamilton and Palmerston North. At this point in time, we are not able to confirm who the contractor is.

The F220 was added to the New Zealand range in early 2020, with the first example installed at Pertronic's Headquarters in Taita, Lower Hutt (Wellington) shortly afterwards by locally-based Alliance Fire & Security.

(10/3/2021)

## New Fire Alarm Systems!

There's been a few new fire alarm systems pop-up recently in some fairly insignificant buildings, so I've put all them together here:

Fire Compliance Services has installed a brand new AMPAC NZ400 Conventional system at a small building in Wellington CBD that is currently being refurbished.

Emerson fire have also recently installed a brand new AMPAC NZ400. This one is at a little industrial building in Petone/Ava.

Alliance Fire & Security have installed a brand new Notifier CFP-16 Conventional system at an industrial building in Petone's large industrial area.

(7/3/2021)

## Life Safety Services goes broke.

In the last few weeks, almost all of the Fire Alarm systems that were being maintained by "Life Safety Services" (formerly Stonewood Fire Protection) have suddenly all passed over to Fire Security Services, with new stickers being added to panels. The reason? Life Safety has gone broke.

It's never nice to hear of a company going under. The company formed in the mid-late 1990s, but changed their name to "Stonewood Fire Protection" in 2016 after merging with Stonewood homes. However the company was re-branded as "Life Safety Services" once again in 2018, with a new logo. My understanding is that Life Safety Services was owned by a construction company that went broke, and took all of the other businesses it owned with it. All of the systems in the Wellington region currently maintained by Life Safety/Stonewood have been taken over by Fire Security Services. I do not know what's happening in Auckland, where Life Safety is based.

Life Safety/Stonewood were best known for installing Ampac & Pertronic equipment, but also did a couple of Vigilant and Notifer systems as well. Life Safety Services have provided installation and service to a number of clients across the Wellington Region, including the Upper Hutt Mall, the Xero Building, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, The Salvation Army's Newtown base and more.

(19/2/2021)

*The photos below are all of systems installed by Life Safety (or Stonewood) that have since been taken over by Fire Security Services.*

## Notifier chosen for Hutt renovation!

This building in Lower Hutt is undergoing a major renovation and conversion. It will have retail/office space on the ground level, with two floors of apartments above. Alliance Fire & Security have been chosen as Fire Alarm contractors for this project and have installed a brand new Notifier system, which is a CFP-16 Conventional system. The panel was installed on Friday this week (12/2/2021).

(14/2/2021)

## Several School Upgrades underway

A number of schools in Wellington have received full or partial Fire Alarm system upgrades recently. Rather than create lots of individual news items, I have collated all of these School upgrades here.

1. Rangikura School in Ascot Park, Porirua recently had a partial upgrade, with four of its buildings renovated and put onto a new Pertronic F100A Addressable system by Wormald (Johnson Controls) NZ. The rest of the school remains on the existing equipment.
3. St Theresa's School in Plimmerton, Porirua is undergoing a partial upgrade for their main block, which is being renovated. The new system is a Pertronic F100A and it is being installed by Fire Compliance Services. This is a private school, and the system will be maintained by their own contractor, Alliance Fire & Security.
5. Upper Hutt College is having it's two Fire Alarm systems merged. The main bulk of the school is on a Pertronic F100A system installed by Wellington Alarm Services (Alliance), whilst the Gymnasium was on a Vigilant MX1 system, installed by Wormald. The MX1 has now been replaced with a new F100A, and the two systems are being connected to serve as one complete system. This work is being carried out by Alliance Fire & Security, however as this is a public school, the systems will continue to be maintained by Wormald (Johnson Controls), who maintain the fire alarm systems at all Ministry of Education schools.
7. Trentham School in Upper Hutt has had its main block renovated, with a new Pertronic F100A installed by Fire Compliance Services. This new system only covers the renovated block and the rest of the school remains on the existing equipment. As above, the system will be maintained by Wormald, as this is an MoE School.
9. St Bernard's College in Lower Hutt previously operated four different Fire Alarm systems, three Pertronic F100A's and an Ampac NZ3200. These are now being scrapped in favour of one Pertronic F100A monitoring the whole school. This work is being carried out by Alliance Fire & Security and is being done as part of school renovations.

(14/2/2021)

Repeater for new F100A at Rangikura School, installed by Wormald.New Pertronic MCP at Rangikura SchoolNew Pertronic Repeater at St Theresa's, installed by Fire Compliance Services.Wires and back-box ready for new Pertronic MCP, at St Theresa'sAn existing Vigilant MCP at St Theresa's, which will soon be replaced by the new Pertronic unit.ORIGINAL set-up at Upper Hutt College, with Pertronic Repeater and MX1 panel.NEW set-up at Upper Hutt College, with F100A panel and Pertronic RepeaterNew Pertronic Repeater at Trentham School, installed by Fire Compliance Services
## Notifier Upgrade for 85 The Terrace

An office building on The Terrace has received a full fire alarm system replacement, with Emerson Fire installing a brand new Notifer Addressable system (unsure if AFP-2800 or AFP-3030, but it will be one of the two). The new system replaces a Grinnell FC16 (Vigilant FP1600) conventional system.

The new system has two mimic panels, with the actual panel located in an area of the car park. The system uses typical notifier-branded KAC manual call-points.

## Two new Notifier Customers!

Wellington has not one, but TWO new customers for Notifer! The first is ENGIE, who have installed a Notifer system at an Embassy in Wellington sometime during 2020-21. This is the first time I've seen ENGIE use Notifer.

The other is new-company Halo Fire Mechanical services. The Hutt-based company has recently expanded its business from Sprinkler's to Fire Alarm systems, with their first Notifer system being installed in a set of new prefab blocks at Wellington Girls College. The company also uses Pertronic Equipment (who doesn't, lol).

Other companies to have used Notifier in Wellington include Argus Fire Protection, Alliance Fire & Security, Aquaheat NZ, Emerson Fire, O'Donnell Griffin and Life Safety Services. We're not sure how many of these companies are still using Notifer equipment (but it is highly likely that Argus aren't, since none can be found with their new 2018 logo).

## New MX1 for Bishop Viard

Porirua's Bishop Viard College has selected the Vigilant MX1 to replace it's existing Pertronic system (yes, that's right), as part of ongoing renovations. The new system has been installed by Alliance Fire & Security, and features the new KAC (MCP821) manual call points. This is the first new Vigilant system in Wellington with 100% KAC call-points.

The School Gymnasium, however, was built at a later date and has a separate Pertronic F4 system (installed by Fire Security Services), and that system remains untouched.

Maintenance of the system will fall to Wormald (Johnson Controls), as Bishop Viard is now a state (MoE) school.