The delivery of a newly refurbished fire truck to the remote Pacific island of Niue will improve aviation safety at Niue International Airport and help boost tourist numbers.
The arrival of the fire truck in Niue in April was marked by a blessing ceremony attended by the Premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, and officials from AusAID, New Zealand and Niue.
Niue depends on its international airport as the primary gateway for economic development.
The project, which was jointly funded by Australia and New Zealand and managed by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure and Transport, will support tourism development initiatives and improve air transport services in the remote Pacific country.
The additional fire truck will increase the safety rating of the airport, allowing for more flights during the tourist season.
Charlie Jebb, First Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Wellington, handed over the truck to the Premier of Niue at a ceremony in November 2012.
'Australia is pleased to support the provision of this rescue fire fighting vehicle to Niue,' Mr Jebb said.
'The fire truck will contribute to transport infrastructure in Niue and ensure the airport can more effectively respond to emergency situations.
'The truck represents a significant enhancement for the airport, enabling the airport to lift its safety standards.'
The fire truck refurbishment was funded under AusAID's Government Partnerships for Development program–formerly known as the Public Sector Linkages Program–which supports government partnerships in the delivery of Australia's aid program.