PDF: Issue 50 - New Zealand Fire Service

May 2009
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
ISSUE
50
3
8
10
May 2009
Issue No. 50
Fire & Rescue is the flagship
publication of the New Zealand
Fire Service.
It is produced by Media,
Promotions and Communications,
National Headquarters,
Level 9, 80 The Terrace, Wellington.
Fire Safety
Paint it black.............................................................................................3
Business
Recognition for all..................................................................................6
Technology
SMART Atlas – a key fire risk management tool................7
Front cover:
New messages showcase the dark side
of fire safety.
Education
Firewise Re-development Project –
the national evaluation.......................................................................8
Back cover:
The crew from Morningside help out
with fire education.
In the Community
Operation Waitangi...........................................................................10
New Station – new location –
same commitment to service......................................................11
Heroic Fire Service sunk by police cheats............................12
A Southern man & woman..........................................................12
Truck & ruck..........................................................................................13
Tribute
Andrew Scotland.................................................................................14
Awards
A Royal Honour...................................................................................15
Fun & Games
The Wheel Deal..................................................................................16
The Calendar needs you!...............................................................17
Stairway to heaven............................................................................18
We welcome contributions from
Fire Service personnel and their families.
Relay For Life........................................................................................19
Email stories and digital pictures to:
fire.rescue@fire.org.nz
(Pictures need to be at least 1MB)
A different kind of Sevens..............................................................20
Our People
A couple of minutes with... Rob Holah...................................22
Sports Calendar
2009 Sports Calendar.....................................................................23
Post written material and photos,
or photo CDs to:
Fire & Rescue magazine,
PO Box 2133, Wellington.
(These will be returned on request)
If you have a story idea or an upcoming
event you would like Fire & Rescue to
cover, call the editor on (04) 496 3675.
Fire & Rescue is online at:
www.fire.org.nz
12
ISSN: 1176-6670
All material in Fire & Rescue magazine is
copyrighted and may not be reproduced
without the permission of the editor.
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Fire Safety
A new set of fire safety messages is about to hit the street – and here’s your preview.
Seven new pictographs – meaning a picture or symbol
that stands for a word or group of words – have been
built around a single image of a major fire danger
(unattended cooking, frying, alcohol, overloaded plugs
and heaters) or a fire safety device (smoke alarms and
batteries).
For some time, regions have been calling for fire safety
messages suitable to use on vehicles, locker doors,
billboards and so on.
Any new fire safety messages would need to be clear
enough for people to take one look at and understand
in an instant – without having to read any words around
the image to make sense of it.
We have good ol’ Flint and Amber and the Firewise Crew
to convey our safety messages to children, but we lacked
compelling, simple messages for the 18–65 year olds,
particularly the 18–35 year age group, that demand
immediate action.
This age group tends to be over-whelmed by advertising
and social marketing messages. Our new safety messages
needed to be compelling and dramatic enough to create
an immediate emotional response.
The new set of pictographs are available only as electronic
files – not in hardcopy format. You can browse them at:
http://firenet.fire.org.nz/Firenet/BusinessUnits/MPC/
promotions.htm.
To access the large electronic file of a pictograph, go to
the shared N Drive (N:Promotions\Safety pictographs 1N
Drive\Promotions\Safety pictographs_1. Choose the right
message in the shape you need (horizontal or vertical),
copy the file onto a CD or DVD and take it to your local
designer to print.
It is important to note that some of these pictographs
may be scary for young children. Please consider the
environment that you intend to display the image and
the impact it may have on some youngsters.
Unattended
cooking kills.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
3
Fire Safety
Smoke alarms
save lives.
Overloaded
plugs can kill.
Don’t leave
matches and
lighters around.
4
Issue No. 50
Fire Safety
Keep it
beating.
Don’t drink
and fry.
Keep things
a metre from
the heater.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
5
Business
Recognition for all
Publicly acknowledging employers of volunteer firefighters is all part of
developing local partnerships with those who share similar values and a
commitment to help build strong, safe and caring communities.
By Heather Clark
The Employer Recognition Programme recognises the
support that employers both big and small provide to
the New Zealand Fire Service by allowing their employees
to respond to incidents during working hours. The programme
has been operating at its different levels for nearly three
years. We initially started with nine pilot brigades to test
the fit of the programme, and went on to extend this to 100
brigades nationally the following year.
During this time the programme has proven its value both
anecdotally and in terms of the goodwill being engendered
by employers towards their local brigades. The All
Personnel Survey is also reflecting the high level of
approval the programme is gaining from those brigades
who have taken up the opportunity to be involved.
I can now advise that funding has been
secured to roll this programme
out to all brigades nationally.
This is a very positive move
by the Commission to
acknowledge and
support the work of
the volunteers and
the support provided
by their employers. It is
also another step towards
assisting with the ongoing
sustainability of our brigades.
I am pleased to be able to advise
we are now open for business to all
brigades who wish to partake in this programme.
ith
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FRM, Tre
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Western enaar, manager at Feilding VFB
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6
Issue No. 50
Technology
SMART Atlas –
a key fire risk management tool
Introduced in 2006, SMART Atlas
provides all staff with a graphical
representation of risk within any area
or district across New Zealand and
provides the ability to investigate the
risk profiles of these districts in detail
prior to formal mitigation strategies
being developed. It also enables
personnel to measure and monitor
results against specific targets, goals
and business plan objectives.
Underpinned by census data,
SMART Atlas has developed into
a sophisticated yet simple to use
business planning tool that investigates potential fire risk and associated
data patterns from a station, district
and region level.
For example, if a station wished to
initiate a smoke alarm installation
campaign, SMART Atlas can provide a
visual picture of the risk profile of the
area and can assist in the planning and
monitoring of how the campaign is
progressing against intended outcomes.
Utilising key risk management and
reporting tools such as SMART Atlas
assists the Fire Service in having a
clear, visual picture of the risk profile
within communities and allows more
effective planning and mitigation
against such risks. At the same time
we can actively engage key at risk
community groups through robust
partnership, awareness and education strategies.
SMART Atlas can be accessed
through the ‘Fire Applications’ tab
on the FireNet homepage and its
services include:
• Location of incidents currently
open at Comcens as well as
recently attended incidents
• Incidents with investigation
reports
• Buildings with operational plans
• Boundaries of gazetted urban
fire districts and station first
response zones
• Status of local initiatives
e.g. smoke alarm installations
and properties targeted and
visited by personnel
• Buildings where risk scoring has
been completed
• Emergency incident summary
reporting
• Fire investigation reports
• Fire hydrant and water mains
location mapping.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
7
Education
A project to give Firewise a major make-over is underway.
Firewise Re-development Project
Be Firewise, Years One and Two, (Firewise), has been
running in primary schools throughout the country for
almost 10 years.
Last year a national evaluation of Firewise was completed
by leading research company Martin Jenkins. Generally,
it found that the programme was well-supported and has
real safety benefits, but there is room for improvement,
leading on to a project to re-develop Firewise.
Another important reason to update Firewise is the
introduction of the Ministry of Education’s new 2010
Curriculum. This makes some big changes to the way
schools’ deliver education. The new edition of Firewise is
being designed to work in well with the new Curriculum,
giving it the competitive edge against the current array of
safety programmes available to schools.
The new edition of Firewise will pull-together the experience
of Firewise practitioners and coordinators, Ministry of
Education advisors and practicing primary school teachers.
It will be brought together by a specialist education
developer and a Fire Service project manager.
The new and improved edition of Firewise will be ready
to promote from the beginning of Term Three on 20 July.
This is in good time for teachers planning the their work
in the new 2010 school year.
Although the project is well-underway it is never too
late to contribute your opinions and suggestions. Check
out the Firenet page (http://firenet.fire.org.nz/Firenet/
BusinessUnits/MPC/firewise.htm) set up to hold all of
the information about the project. You can have your say
by contacting your regional representative on the Firewise
Reference Group or you can email the Fire Service project
manager: caroline.rosanowski@fire.org.nz
A snapshot of what practitioners said about the current Firewise programme:
“The content is far too long and it puts teachers off.
The most important action we want children to take is:
In a fire, get out and stay out!”
“All regions should have a dedicated Firewise coordinator
to meet the delivery targets with dedicated promotions.
It would be a good fit with FAIP coordinator.
“There could be more focus on smoke alarms in
the resource.”
“The firefighter training DVD is really old. A new DVD
modelling ways to present Firewise to children would
be helpful. It could use a variety of practitioners with
different styles.”
“More research needs to be done on the key messages
with primary teachers themselves. It would be good
to know: how many messages can children take in;
the best wording of the messages; and should messages
start with ‘don’t’?”
“It would help firefighters to gain an understanding
of the environment teachers work in, for example:
what are the pressures and demands on teachers;
how will the new 2010 curriculum affect
teachers; how do schools operate; how do teachers
teach the resource?
“Recognition and reward is vital to support
Firewise practitioners. There is currently
no really strong evaluation loop (although
there is an evaluation form this doesn’t work
in practice).”
“A national database that is easy to use is
essential. It should align with the Ministry of
Education database.
“A cluster model of training for firefghters would
be the best fit for NZFS. This could be supported
through a regional coordinator.”
All comments available in full on Firenet
http://firenet.fire.org.nz/Firenet/BusinessUnits/MPC/firewise.htm
8
Issue No. 50
Education
– the national evaluation
Evaluation recommendations
To improve uptake of Firewise,
the evaluation recommended:
• Firefighters need strategies to
encourage school leaders to take
ownership of Firewise. A flexible
approach is needed as each school
is unique.
• Engaging with schools is an ongoing
task and firefighters need to be
sufficiently resourced and motivated.
Firefighters should be responsible
for up to 12–16 schools each.
• The attitudes of firefighters toward
Firewise affects their ability to engage
with schools and promote and support
the delivery of the programme.
The Fire Service should assign the
responsibility of Firewise to dedicated
staff and offer training to those who are not.
To improve delivery of Firewise, the evaluation
recommended:
• The Firewise teaching component is too long.
Reduce the number of hours Firewise takes to
teach without compromising quality. Focus the
programme on key messages.
• Teachers should be provided with an overview or
“quick answers” sheet so that they can respond
to children’s questions.
• Parental involvement with homework is a valuable
way to support classroom learning and teachers
need to set expectations about how this should
be done. Escape planning and safe meeting places
are successful as homework. The role of the
Fire Service is to influence schools and teachers
to encourage homework to be completed.
• Firefighters who currently deliver a one-hour
Firewise presentation instead of the teaching
component do not achieve the desired results.
This approach must stop.
• Firefighter visits to schools recapping fire safety
messages is a valued part of the programme.
Visits that focus on fire trucks and playing with
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
equipment however, distract five and six year olds
from learning the fire safety messages. Firefighters
should deliver the firefighter presentation and avoid
turning the visit’s focus to playing on the truck.
• The firefighters approach to promoting and
supporting the delivery of Firewise varies across
districts. To achieve consistency and provide ongoing
support to firefighters, regional Firewise coordinator
roles should be considered. The role would involve:
ensuring consistent practice; adequate resourcing;
providing training and promotional material and
generally supporting firefighters.
Contact your regional Firewise Reference Group member
Name
Region
Phone
Email
Caroline Rosanowski
(project manager)
NHQ Wellington
X4722
04 470 3310
Caroline.Rosanowski@fire.org.nz
Stuart Ide
Southern
X 36490
03 442 7540
Stuart.Ide@fire.org.nz
Kevin Donaldson
Transalpine
03 307 8962
Kevin.Donaldson@fire.org.nz
Danny Sharpe
Arapawa
n/a
Danny.Sharpe@fire.org.nz
Mike Bauckham
Eastern
n/a
Mike.Bauckham@fire.org.nz
Nick Pine
Western
n/a
Nick.Pine@fire.org.nz
Megan Dromgool
Bay–Waikato
X74006
07 571 2707
Megan.Dromgool@fire.org.nz
Mike McEnaney
Auckland
09 302 5193
027 450 0131
Mike.Mcenaney@fire.org.nz
Terry Baylis
Northland
X96014
09 438 9173
Terry.Baylis@fire.org.nz
Elizabeth Grieve
NHQ Wellington
X48056
04 496 3726
Elizabeth.Grieve@fire.org.nz
May 2009
9
in the Community
Operation
Waitangi
There appeared to be a real sense of positivity
at this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations in
Russell and the biggest crowd yet of 75,000
“upbeat” New Zealanders who converged on
the Treaty ground were proof of this.
As usual the Fire Service was on-hand to push key fire
safety messages such as the importance of working
smoke alarms and the dangers of unattended cooking.
The Kitchen Fire demonstrator and the Wendy House,
run by Te Roopu Tenei Ahi Ki Tamaki Makaurau and
enthusiastically supported by Northland Fire Region
staff, were big drawcards for the estimated 65,000 people
who passed through the Fire Service display.
But it wasn’t just a promotion and education day.
Northland volunteer brigades provided an operational
response in the event of an emergency. With so many
people and cooking stalls, there was a high risk with an
event such as this.
Many thanks must go to Piki Thomas and both the
Northland and Auckland Fire Regions for their continued
support of this kaupapa.
10
Issue No. 50
In the Community
New station – new location –
same commitment to service
In late February, the new Paraparaumu Fire Station was officially opened by the
Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Dr Richard Worth.
The $3.8million station (including the land cost) is a
significant investment in a community that is one of the
fastest growing urban areas in New Zealand. The station
on Te Roto Drive replaces the 50 year old station that
was situated on Kapiti Road. The new station is a composite
one with career staff transferred from elsewhere in
the greater Wellington area supplementing the existing
volunteer brigade members.
The Paraparaumu Fire Station has been designed and
built with environmental factors in mind. Constructed to
exceed earthquake safety standards, the station also
feature two 22,000 litre water tanks. One is fed from
town water supply and acts as a storage reservoir in the
event of a supply failure. The other tank recycles rain
water from the roof and is used for all outside taps and to
feed the toilet system. With a power generator in the rear
yard, the station can continue full operations even in the
event of an area-wide power failure. On the roof are two
solar panels which boost the hot water supply and sensor
lighting has been installed throughout to reduce power
usage. It is a station that personnel can be proud of and
one that offers increased reassurance to the community
and, given its proximity to State Highway 1, the motoring
public as well.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Attending the opening were (l to r) Mike Hall,
Hon Dr Richard Worth, Dame Margaret Bazley,
Ian Pickard and Wayne Sarjeant
May 2009
11
In the Community
Heroic Fire Service
sunk by police cheats
When the Police challenged the Fire Service to a row off in
Christchurch, the last thing Area Manager, Dan Coward, was
expecting was underhand tactics.
The Fire Service team consisted of Dan (the Great Helmsman), CFO John
Reed from Brooklands, CFO Mark Buckley and DCFO Dwayne Pool
from Lyttelton and an on-the-day field commission to SFF Arnie Allen
from Christchurch Brigade. Then word got out that the police team had
sneaked out and had a trial run and practice which was very much in
contravention of the rules. Clearly the police used a different rule book!
It was keenly contested tussle but a photo finish showed a police victory
with less than a foot in it. Obviously the practice run made all the
difference! It was a great social event that has further strengthened the
relationship the Metro Area Management team have with their police
colleagues in Christchurch.
However, there were some successes with the Fire Service Novice Mixed
and Novice Men winning their sections. Some 50 + teams entered on the
day in a variety of sections. Dan has confirmed with the District Manager
of the Police that the Fire Service will be competing again next year and
that legal challenges will be mounted if the police stoop to the same tricks!
A Southern man & woman
Flint & Amber visited the Southern Lakes area on a recent trip down South.
By Barry Gibson
They called in at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival and
the Lake Hawea Volunteer Fire Brigade Community
Day. They were there to help spread the fire safety
message to local children and the wider community.
At the Arrowtown Autumn Festival they took part in
the Street Parade with the Arrowtown Volunteer Fire
Brigade, then they joined the large crowd on the street.
They were very popular with adults and children, many
of whom wanted photos taken of them including an
excited wedding party who left the reception to pose
for a shot.
The following day Flint & Amber travelled to Lake
Hawea where they joined the Lake Hawea Volunteer
Fire Brigade at their Community Day. Again they were
able to spread important messages to all who attended.
The mascots have proven incredible drawcards for kids
(and brides and grooms) and are a big help in generating
the right sort of fire safe behaviour.
12
Issue No. 50
In the Community
Truck & ruck
Wanganui Fire Station recently played host to a group of Chatham Island children
who were in town to play rugby against local teams.
The 21 kids and their
caregivers visited the station
as part of their itinerary and
were given the full treatment
by Red Watch.
One of the parents is a 12
year Volunteer firefighter on
the island and he said he
“learnt heaps” from the visit.
Red Watch were rewarded
with a gift of Kina roe,
Smoked fish and Paua and
a stirring Haka- from the
children.
Red Watch also played host
to the Wellington U12
Football team last year on
a station visit proving that
they really are good sports.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
13
Tribute
Andrew Scotland
The UFBA Conference down in Queenstown was touched
by tragedy when Waipu volunteer Andrew ‘Scotty’ Scotland
lost his life in a tragic hang-gliding accident.
Following the Waterways competition, Andrew and three other
members of the Waipu VFB stayed
in Queenstown and decided to take
part in some extreme sports, the four
decided to go hang-gliding.
While Andrew was in tandem with
experience hang-gliding instructor
Argentinean, Gerardo Bean the wings
broke and the parachute failed killing
both men.
Friends flew in from Europe, Australia
and throughout New Zealand for
Andrew’s funeral at the Waipu Fire
Station on Monday March 16 where
14
Issue No. 50
approximately 1000 people attended
to mourn his loss.
Speakers told of Scotty, the life of any
party, a loving father who fiercely
protected his wife Pauline, a true
friend and excellent senior firefighter
who will be sorely missed by everyone
who knew him.
Scotty leaves behind his wife Pauline
who is four months pregnant and
their 3-year old son, Aydan plus
three children, 13 year-old Blake and
10-year-old Olivia from a previous
relationship.
A trust has been formed to help look
after Pauline and donations may be
made at any National Bank to the
Pauline Scotland Trust.
In late March a bitter sweet evening
of fundraising was held by the Waipu
VFB to raise money for Pauline.
Members of the brigade were given
Mohawks. Plenty of people from the
community came along and members
of other brigades fundraised as well,
local hairdressers volunteered their
time and close to $9000 was raised.
If you would like to donate to
the Pauline Scotland Trust at any
National Bank or digitally to account
06 0493 0454552 00.
Awards
Left to right:
‘Butch’ Waterhouse,
Tony Haggerty,
Glenn Cockburn
and Ben Goddard.
A Royal Honour
In late March, four Fire Service personnel were recognised at a ceremony
at the Wellington Town Hall where they received the Queen’s Service Medal
for Community Service from Governor-General, Hon Anand Satyanand.
With a combined length of service of
more than 100 years, these recipients
bring credit to themselves, their
brigades and the Fire Service.
‘Butch’ Waterhouse has served with
the Maketu Volunteer Fire Brigade
for almost 20 years. He is currently
a Senior Firefighter but was the
CFO for 12 years. He has led a
project to install 800 smoke alarms
in the community and has also
recruited local identities to promote
the Firewise programme in schools,
rest homes and marae. Butch is also
involved with the Maketu Surf
Lifesaving Club and the Maketu
Coastguard.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
For over 25 years until his retirement
in 2005, Tony Haggerty was the
Hazardous Substance Advisor with
the Fire Service where one of his
roles was to run training courses
for firefighters on how to deal with
chemical spills and fires. He was
actively involved in the development
of hazardous substance regulations
and control requirements and was
the NZFS representative on the
Toxic Substances Board.
Glenn Cockburn is CFO for the
Rolleston Volunteer Fire Brigade and
was instrumental in establishing the
brigade as a medical first responder.
An ambulance officer for St John for
the past 17 years, Glenn is currently an
advanced paramedic and crew chief of
the St John Rescue Helicopter Team.
A founding member of the Springs
Ellesmere Community Board, Glenn
has also been a past chairman of
the Rolleston Residents’ Association
and Rolleston Reserve Management
Committee.
Deputy Chief of the Ohakune Volunteer
Fire Brigade for 18 years and CFO for
the last five, Ben Goddard, is active in
the community promoting fire safety
messages. A member of the Ruapehu
Emergency Management Group and
the Western Fire Region Operating
Committee, Ben was also involved
in raising funds for the building of
the local ambulance station.
May 2009
15
Incidents
Fun
& Games
When TVNZ’s Wheel of Fortune production company went searching for ‘celebrities’ to front a week-long
series of the game show, they needed people with the type of pulling power that would guarantee increased
viewership. So obviously they came knocking on the Fire Service door and after some easy negotiations over
what we needed to get from the opportunity, we signed the deal and entered into the fun.
If you don’t know the Wheel of Fortune show, contestants
spin a wheel that is made up of cash, prize and bankrupt
segments. If their spin lands on a cash amount or a prize,
they get the right to request a consonant to solve a word
puzzle. If they get a consonant that is part of the puzzle, they
can spin again. If they land on bankrupt, they get nothing.
Wheel of Fortune attracts around 500,000 New Zealand
viewers each week day so a big part of the Fire Service getting
involved was the opportunity to expose a big audience
to important fire safety messages as the word puzzles.
The firefighters would also be able to expand on why fire
safety was so important with show host, Jason Gunn.
Another important aspect of our involvement was that each
of the 12 firefighters had one of three nominated charities
they were playing for to raise money and awareness. The
Child Cancer Foundation, The National Burn Centre, and
The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation were understandably
very enthusiastic to be involved and very thankful.
16
Issue No. 50
Rob Holah, who has taken over the NZ Firefighter
Calendar reins from Les Presling, was tasked with finding
past and present calendar models to agree to be part of
the show when it was filmed in Auckland two weeks ago.
Stepping up to the mark were Auckland firefighters
Jason Orchard, Josh Darby, Liam Devoy, Vili Vaea,
Josh Harrison, Cameron Mckecknie, Doug Kinsella and
Jeremy Fraser. Representing Wellington were Bret Burrows
and John Holah. Brendon Dunn came up from Greerton
and Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade member,
Corey Neilson, made up the team.
On the filming day, initial nerves were soon put to rest
with Jason Gunn’s stories and jokes keeping everyone
social and at ease. Having promo shots taken with Greer
Robson was also a thrill for many. In the end, a very
successful filming with only a couple of minor bloopers
and over $55,000 worth of cash and prizes donated to
the three charities.
Fun & Games
r
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The you!
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n
NZ Firefighters Calendar 2010
Application Form
Thank you for applying for the 2010 Firefighters Calendar,
we look forward to your entry. You will be notified of
acceptance within 6 weeks of application.
1. Take and attach at least three (but no more than six)
body/head shots of yourself.
a. Attempt a variety of angles, lighting, and locations
b. These are primarily for matching candidates to
design and layout concepts
2. Complete all fields of this form and return to
The NZFFSA – Firefighters Calendar
PO Box 674
Whangaparaoa 0943
Personal Details
Full Name:
Age:
Station:
Watch:
Home phone: (
)
Work phone: (
)
Cell Phone:
Home e-mail:
Work e-mail:
Notes:
• Professional photo shoots for successful candidates will be taken in June
• All photos will be returned if a self addressed envelope is supplied
• Disclaimers will be required for all successful candidates
Thank you and good luck.
Regards
Rob Holah
rob@teamblackfire.com
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
17
Fun & Games
Stairway to heaven
At 788 feet of vertical elevation, the Columbia
Centre in downtown Seattle stands as the second
tallest building west of the Mississippi. It takes
69 flights of stairs and 1,311 steps to get to the
top. Every year it plays host to the Firefighter
Stairclimb where firefighters from across America
and around the world race to be the fastest to the
top. On Sunday, March 8, New Zealand was there.
By Maree Ryan
I joined the Fire Service in 2004 as a Volunteer at
Tauranga Fire Station. I got accepted into the paid staff
last year and have been on Green Watch at Hutt City
Station since mid December under the expert guidance
of SSO Stu Cleland.
NZ team at Fi
re
(l to r) Maree fighter s Skytower Challeng
e
Ry
Brendon Ryan an, Adam Rubie, Tony Beat
tie,
and Carmen D
aniela.
My first stairclimb was the
Firefighters Skytower Challenge in Auckland in 2007.
My goal was just to finish so I was stoked to come third.
Last year the goal was to beat my 2007 time, and I ended
up winning the female competition. Always looking
for challenges, I had heard about the Firefighter
Stairclimb in Seattle and that a NZ team goes over there
to compete. I made some enquiries and got my name on
the team for 2009.
The trip to Seattle was awesome! And the race over there
is huge – just over 1500 firefighters enter the competition.
I was placed 10th female overall, out of 124, and got the
fastest time for the NZ team. The NZ 2009 team consisted
of Tony Beattie, Brendon Ryan, Carmen Daniela, Adam
Rubie and myself. Everyone did really well and it was
Brendon’s first climb ever.
I enter the competitions because it’s fun as well as a huge
challenge and also to meet new people. If I win then that
is a major bonus.
My training for a stairclimb, usually consists of walking
the 28 flights of steps at the Majestic centre in Wellington.
I do this three times each session fully donned and with
steel cylinders and do it a couple of time a week.
When I’m not doing that I also do mountain biking and
won the female cross country and downhill sections of
the NZFS Mountain Bike Champs held in Rotorua in
February, for both 2008 and 2009. In 2008 I won the
overall cross country – beating all the guys!
Of course, this all pales into insignificance when
compared to SSO Cleland’s heroic feat of biking around
Lake’s Rotorua and Taupo in one day a couple of
weekends ago!!!
18
Issue No. 50
Fun & Games
Karen Pickard, Lou Dawson,
Debbie Cumings, Chelsea Cumings
(Flint), Jennifer Foster, Lyndsay
Burns, Hannah Nelson (Amber)
and Pam Markham-Barrett
Relay For Life
Mad members of NHQ and Arapawa Regional office again
participated in the Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life event on
28-29 March at Frank Kitts Park down by the Wellington waterfront.
Fundraising via eating was a
definite theme this year, but all that
eating (toasted sandwiches, chop
suey, cake & cookies) was definitely
for a good cause and helped us
raise a respectable $3,365 for the
Cancer Society.
This year, unlike the past few
events in the capital, Relay was
completed in brilliant sunshine.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
It’s amazing how much further
people can walk in non-liquid sunshine! The combined team walked /
ran / skipped a respectable 430km,
with 6 individuals completing the
personal milestone of a marathon
and a further 9 completed a half
marathon. A special note of thanks
to the lads from Brooklyn Blue
watch crew who came down and
ran the first hour or so for us.
The event also provided us with
the opportunity to promote some
of our key winter fire safety
messages. To help with this Flint
and Amber took to the track and
proved to be a very popular with
children and parents alike wanting
to take photos with them as well
as taking away some of our fire
safety brochures.
May 2009
19
Fun & Games
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With the abject failure of the New Zealand Sevens team at just about every tournament it
showed up to, it was up to football to show how a truncated sport should really be played.
This year’s New Zealand Fire Service 7 aside Soccer
Tournament was hosted by the members of Palmerston
North Station for the first time after two successful years
in Rotorua.
Of the thrirteen teams that showed up, some put to
socialising first, and playing second, while other teams
focused on winning but placed a high value on enjoying
the occassion.
The teams started arriving Friday morning, Arena One
where the event was to be held. was an absolute picture;
newly painted goal posts and field markings, tents erected
20
Issue No. 50
and the playing surface a dream. There would be no
excuse for anything other than good footy.
The Weather also came to the party – not a cloud in the
sky with the thermometer hovering close to 30 degrees.
Hydration, and plenty of it was the order of the day.
By and large all the games were played in the spirit fitting
such an occasion. One of the senior referees commented
that he was pleasantly surprised at the standard of skills
on offer and was impressed at the spirit that the games
were played in.
During the nights whilst the socialising went on, successes
Fun & Games
were embellished upon, disappointments were healed,
and promises of better successes next year were made.
56 games were played over the two days before the
finalists were found, Palmy Raiders v Wellington One.
Half an hour of play saw the two teams locked at two all.
This was followed by two 5-minute spells of ‘golden goal’
play. Palmy 1, with only seconds remaining on the clock
nailed the winner to become 2009 champions, much to
the delight of the local partisan crowd.
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
May 2009
21
Our People
A co up le of m in utes w it h. ..
R o b H ol ah
Where are you stationed?
I recently moved to Kawerau
from Auckland
What is your rank/title?
Senior Firefighter and also
Event & Promotions Manager
How long have you been in the job?
6 years, almost to the day.
Family?
I haven’ t started one of my own if
that’ s what you mean? Not that
I’ m aware of.
What’ s the one thing that sticks most
in your mind about the job?
The willingness of every firefighter I
know to help when needed. I have been
involved in a lot of events for charity
and seen people who were really in
despair, and everybody rallies around
when needed. Furthermore, it always
surprises me who is the most
forthcoming and enthusiastic.
If you could make one change to the
Fire Service what would it be?
One change? That’ s a tough one
really... I’ll be broad and go with
communication. The rumour
mill seems alive and well
at all levels, and although
I don’ t take these things
too seriously, it would
be great to have
better dialogue
amongst everyone.
22
Issue No. 50
Your most embarrassing moment?
I embarrass myself regularly actually.
That lit up dance floor at Boogie
Wonderland has a lot to answer for
because I can’ t dance!
What’ s the one thing that people would
be surprised to learn about you?
I have been to as many countries
as my age.
Favourite book?
Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz
Favourite Movie?
The Bourne Identity, and all
the sequels!
Favourite TV Show?
Lost
Favourite Music Group?
Franz Ferdinand or The Strokes
Favourite Sport?
Snowboarding
Favourite Holiday Destination?
Czech Republic, everywhere should
be like eastern Europe.
If I wasn’ t in the Fire Service
I would be...
A career explorer.
Sports Calendar
2009
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Get out those calendars because
there are a few dates coming up
that you best put a ring around.
May 2009
May 2009
Bay Waikato Annual
Golf Tour
National Volley Ball
Tournament
Putaruru Golf Club
putaruru@fire.org.nz
Tauranga
sandford@orcon.net.nz
Car terton Golf Club
henry.stechman@fire.org.nz
kerr y.gordon@fire.org.nz
July 5 2009
July 2009
July 2009
July 5 2009
May 2009
National Darts
Tournament
Papamoa
Auckland Districts F/Bs
Annual Bowls Competition
May 2009
Wairarpa Sub Assn
Golf Tournament
Wellington Provincial F/B
Golf Tournament
Silverdale Bowling Club
apps@clear.net.nz
Feilding Golf Club
warren.dunn@fire.org.nz
August 2009
August 2009
National Trout Fishing
Tournament
Turangi
National Alpine Ski
Championships
Ohakune
National Snooker
Tournament
henry.stechman@fire.org.nz
michael.cockburn@fire.org.nz
August 30 2009
September 5 2009
Wellington Provincial
Indoor Bowls Tournament
Wellington
jim.prescott@fire.org.nz
ohakune@fire.org.nz
denchy@xtra.co.nz
September 3 2009
NZFS National Rugby
Tournament
September 2009
October 2009
South Island Basketball
Tournament
Napier
Twizel
graeme.day@fire.org.nz
shane-tania@xtra.co.nz
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
South Island Volleyball
Tournament
Sports Council regional
sports committee meetings
Contact your regional spor ts
council rep for more details
Wellington Provincial F/B
Driving Challenge
Mansfield Race Way Feilding
denchy@xtra.co.nz
If you know of
an event missing,
please contact
Fire & Rescue
May 2009
23
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
Published May 2009
By the New Zealand Fire Service
Media, Promotions & Communications
National Headquarters,Wellington
www.fire.org.nz