The Waitati Volunteer Fire Brigade invited people to ''come and have a look'' as it opened its doors to mark its 50th jubilee at the weekend.
About 100 people braved rain showers to see the settlement's firefighters in action and explore the station and see its appliances on Saturday, Chief Fire Officer Jeff Burrow said.
''It's good for the community to see what we can do and what we have got,'' he said.
''That's what we are here for. We are here to support our community.''
Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of what was then the Blueskin Fire Unit.
Brigade members, present and former, marked the occasion with an informal gathering on Friday.
Mr Burrow said the nature of firefighters' duties had changed immensely in the 50 years of the brigade's history.
''Originally it was just fires, then it started becoming motor vehicle accidents and now we are co-responders with the ambulance,'' he said.
''It's really changed over the years.''
The brigade also celebrated the service of some of its members with an awards dinner in the Waitati Hall on Saturday night.
Allan Cameron celebrated 38 years' service with the brigade, while Chris Hughes marked 30 and Paul Clements 25 years.
Four other members also received awards.
