Fuel retailer Gull has transformed four of its Bay of Plenty sites, including its Mount Maunganui terminal, to operate in times of a civil emergency.

The independent company today announced it has installed generators at its Mount terminal and adjacent service station on Hewletts Road station so that it can operate even if electricity supply is cut.

General Manager of Gull Dave Bodger says the company is playing its part, providing support to Bay of Plenty's civil defence preparedness.

'We have had work done at our fuel terminal at the Mount and service station on Hewletts Road, as well as Gull sites in Whakatane, Kawerau and Rotorua.

'These locations have been identified by Civil Defence and the Bay of Plenty Lifelines Group (BOPLG) as strategically important.

'After completing a similar upgrade at four of our Auckland sites, we knew that it didn't take a lot of time or cost to install this capability. It is much better to be ready, than try and convert a site in the middle of an emergency.

'Gull is playing its part and supporting the community. With our terminal readied, we can supply fuel to the Bay of Plenty region and further afield, even when there is no electricity,” says Dave.

Bay of Plenty Lifelines Group Chairman Nigel D'Ath says Gull is to be congratulated for taking a leadership position and supporting the region's readiness for a civil defence emergency.

'Gull is taking the initiative within the fuel industry, wiring its Bay of Plenty stations for generator capability. This will greatly enhance Civil Defence Emergency Management capability to supply fuel to critical customers in the event of a local and regional emergency.”

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Clinton Naude agrees.

"Gull has met its requirements under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, and is to be congratulated.

'By adding generator capacity to its service stations, Gull has significantly increased its ability to operate during an emergency which will have a positive effect for the responding agencies and local communities.”