'Aku'ola's Report

In 1970, Hon. ‘Akau’ola, Minister of Police, submitted a report to Government on the Kingdom’s firefighting capabilities, or rather the lack of them. Consequently, in 1972, the Australian Government provided the services with a Fire Officer, Mr. J.K. Mundy, to survey and evaluate existing legislation, water supply, fire equipment and expertise – hence the Mundy Report.

Transfer of Fire Service from Ministry of Works to the Police

Late in 1978 Government decided to transfer responsibility for the fire service from the Ministry of Works to the Police Department, principally on the grounds of the latter’s 24 hour availability and personnel on call. There was only one fire truck in the Kingdom at that time and it was looked after by Niki Latu (Tetea) of Tungua/Fasi.