Yesterday afternoon the battle to locate a volunteer firefighter trapped under a landslide concluded with the recovery of his body at Muriwai.

Our hearts go out to his family.  Our thoughts are with those that were responding with him at the time, the Muriwai Brigade and all those deeply affected by this loss.  His line of duty death will be felt widely across fire and emergency personnel and the Muriwai community.

He has paid the ultimate price for his dedication and commitment to his community and his service will not be forgotten.

We also recognise the professional USAR team that persevered, determined to bring him home to his family despite the complex operation being hampered by weather and dangerous conditions.    

We wish the volunteer firefighter who was rescued from the same landslide a full recovery from his injuries.

The NZPFU has corresponded with the Muriwai Brigade sending our aroha and offer of any support we may be able to provide to the firefighters’ families and the Brigade.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary

Related Articles

VIEW ALL VIEW ALL

Breaking News

Tamaki Makaurau Flooding, State of Local Civil Defence Emergency

Last nights unprecedented weather event caused widespread havoc across the region with Fire and Emergency career and volunteer crews, operational support and 111 emergency dispatchers working to exhaustion, with all available FENZ resources at times being mobilised to incidents right across the region.


Season’s Greetings and Office Hours

The Auckland Local wishes all members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Auckland Office will be closed from the afternoon of Friday 23 December 2022, reopening on Monday 9 January 2023.


Ratification Meeting next Tuesday 13th Dec at 5pm

As you will be well aware by now, we have finally reached an agreed term of settlement in the negotiation for a new CEA. The NZPFU is recommending members accept it and ratify the settlement offer. The National Committee has completely wrung out the sponge for every possible drop of benefit to members, and it's now our turn to act.