When we talk about protecting our built environment and the treasures it holds, fire sprinkler systems are a cornerstone of safeguarding collections, history, and public safety. At IFSA, we know firsthand how critical life-safety systems are — and one community halfway around the world is making that point with remarkable determination.

In Dunedin, New Zealand, Professor David Hutchinson has taken on a bold and symbolic challenge to raise awareness and support for an urgent fire-sprinkler project at Tūhura Otago Museum. The museum is home to around two million significant global objects — taonga (treasures) that tell the stories of Aotearoa’s people, science, and natural world.  Despite this museum’s cultural importance, a full fire sprinkler system remains unfunded.

A Sold-Out Challenge for a Vital Cause

To help close that gap, Professor Hutchinson set out to swim across the treacherous Cook Strait — one of the world’s most demanding open-water crossings, stretching 22–26 kilometers of cold, rough seas, strong tides and currents. This ambitious undertaking aimed to draw attention to the museum’s need for essential fire-suppression infrastructure and to inspire the community to contribute to the cause.

Although the attempt was halted mid-journey due to unsafe tide and wind conditions, Professor Hutchinson’s mission remains undeterred. He has reaffirmed his commitment to raising both awareness and funds — and has already made a personal contribution toward the sprinkler project. Every dollar donated goes directly toward the installation of a full fire sprinkler system for the museum.

Why It Matters

Museums like Tūhura Otago preserve irreplaceable knowledge and cultural heritage for future generations. But without adequate fire protection, the risk of fire loss — one of the most devastating hazards — remains unacceptably high. Properly designed and installed fire sprinklers dramatically reduce this chance of loss, protect visitors and staff, and preserve collections that cannot be replaced.

As we think about fire protection in all its forms — from residential buildings to commercial and cultural institutions — this story is a powerful reminder of the vital importance of proactive investment in life-safety systems.

Get Involved

If you’d like to support this important cause and help ensure Tūhura Otago Museum’s collections are protected, you can donate directly at the fundraising page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-raise-funds-for-tuhura-fire-sprinklers 

Learn more about the museum, its collections, and how it serves its community: https://otagomuseum.nz/

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At IFSA, we celebrate stories like this that highlight both the value of fire protection systems and the creative energy individuals bring to protecting our shared heritage. Professor Hutchinson’s swim may symbolize risk and challenge, but it also reflects community care, passion, and the universal importance of safeguarding what matters most.