This hard hat was part of the equipment used by a group of volunteer fire fighters who worked on the construction of the Synfuel plant at Motunui during the early 1980s. Bechtel Pacific Corporation Ltd were the prime contractors for the construction of the plant and they supplied fire fighting equipment and a brand new fire appliance in 1983. The fire crew were from a variety of on-site occupations and held regular training sessions. Nine men formed the basis of the brigade while nine more were in backup roles.