Chemist Warehouse – Dominion Road
Complete design, supply, and installation of a compliant Type 7 fire protection system for a busy retail environment.
Overview
Zion Fire delivered a complete Type 7 automatic fire protection system for Chemist Warehouse on Dominion Road, providing a fully compliant and robust solution tailored to the needs of a large, high-traffic retail environment. The project included the full design, supply, installation, and commissioning of the system, ensuring all components met the requirements of NZS 4512 and NZS 4541.
Working within a busy commercial fit-out, our team coordinated closely with the client, site managers, and other trades to integrate detection, alarm, and sprinkler components seamlessly into the store’s layout. The result is a reliable, high-performance fire protection system that supports safe daily operations and provides long-term compliance and protection for staff, customers, and assets.
Business Challenges
The project required careful coordination and precise execution to meet the demands of a fast-paced retail fit-out environment. With multiple trades working simultaneously and strict compliance requirements to uphold, the team needed to ensure that all fire protection components were installed, tested, and commissioned without causing delays or disruptions. Maintaining safety, meeting standards, and achieving consistent system performance were central to overcoming the challenges on site.
- Coordinating works within an active retail fit-out schedule
- Ensuring full compliance with NZ fire protection standards
- Achieving optimal alarm audibility throughout all store areas
- Managing testing and commissioning without disrupting other trades
Objectives
The key objectives for this project centred on delivering a modern, reliable, and fully compliant fire protection solution that met both regulatory requirements and the operational needs of a large retail environment. Ensuring thorough system coverage, accurate documentation, and strong quality assurance were essential to achieving a safe and effective installation.
- Deliver a fully compliant Type 7 fire protection system
- Ensure comprehensive coverage and detection throughout the premises
- Provide complete documentation and certification upon completion
- Maintain quality assurance through all installation and testing stages
Solutions Implemented
Zion Fire delivered a complete installation of the Type 7 fire protection system, starting with the setup of a conventional control panel and a fully updated Mimic Panel configured to match the approved fire drawings and zoning requirements. Throughout the premises, new smoke detectors, manual call points, and 100V speakers were strategically installed to achieve clear detection and audibility across all retail, back-of-house, and storage areas.
All new cabling was run and terminated to the required standards, with existing pathways utilised where appropriate to maintain efficiency and minimise disruption to other contractors on site. Once installation was completed, the system underwent a full suite of compliance tests, including continuity checks, insulation resistance testing, device verification, and functional testing under simulated alarm conditions. These tests ensured that every component operated correctly, achieved the required performance levels, and met all relevant New Zealand fire protection standards.
The Mimic Panel was updated with new zoning to reflect the building’s updated configuration, ensuring clearer identification and faster response in an emergency. Throughout the project, our team carefully managed all fire isolations, site logistics, and compliance inspections to maintain safety, minimise operational impact, and deliver a smooth and efficient system upgrade.
Project Outcome
The completed installation provides Chemist Warehouse with a fully compliant and dependable fire protection system designed for long-term safety and performance. Despite the tight fit-out schedule and complex coordination with multiple trades, Zion Fire delivered the project efficiently and to a high standard. Comprehensive testing, certification, and documentation ensure ongoing reliability and compliance. This project highlights Zion Fire’s expertise in delivering end-to-end fire system solutions that meet both regulatory and operational requirements across commercial and retail environments.
Despite the complexities of working within a live, high-traffic CBD environment and the added constraints of a heritage structure, the project was completed on schedule and with minimal disruption to tenants, visitors, and surrounding operations. This outcome reflects careful planning, structured staging, and close communication with all stakeholders throughout the process.
Zion Fire’s attention to detail, proactive coordination, and strong focus on quality enabled every stage of the upgrade to be executed smoothly. From managing isolations and logistics to ensuring full compliance and accurate documentation, our team delivered a seamless result — reinforcing our capability in delivering complex fire system upgrades to the highest standard.
Why Choose Zion Fire?
- Certified IQP providers for compliance.
- Full testing, inspection, and certification.
- Expertise across residential, commercial, and industrial properties.