The major hazards in Opunake are a power hazard, four halls, six schools, MVA risks, milk and LPG tankers, Shell Todd Oil Services, one sleep-over care unit, and two IHC Hostels. Other risks we have identified are a camping ground, one rest home, two hotels, one tavern and one motel with back packer facilities.
The brigade is supported by the auxiliary Rahotu Brigade, which is about 15kms away.
Opunake is a mid-sized town situated on State Highway 45 (Surf Highway). It has a population of about 1600 people, but over the summer months this can increase to 3000. The town building profile is predominantly residential with a small CBD with mostly light industrial to service the rural community.