In the early 1950s fires were common enough on Waiheke to prompt residents into action. But authorities on the mainland saw it differently - Waiheke did not qualify for a brigade.
However, volunteer bucket brigades were formed with five villages each receiving five knapsack pumps and five buckets. It was recommended that at strategic points throughout the district fire gongs, in the form of steel brake drums or similar, be installed. - Gulf News
The Waiheke Fire Brigade was officially formed on May 15, 1952. A brief history of its early days was published by Gulf News in 2008, written by a 'longstanding volunteer' who declined to be named.