Ngā Tohu Raukura – Celebrating success in Te Ihu

Congratulations to all those recognised in the Te Ihu Ngā Tohu Raukura – the Celebrating Success Awards presented by CE Rhys Jones and Region Manager Paul Henderson in Christchurch last night.

Ngā Tohu Raukura are based on Fire and Emergency’s values and the awards announced last night reflect the varied ways in which brigades and individuals represent those values in their daily work.

Paul Henderson said the challenges of 2021 included two major flooding events, COVID, the complexities of the vaccine mandate and the stand-up of the new Districts. “As always, Te Ihu stepped up to meet these challenges. These awards are for those who have stepped up just a little bit more.”

The winners are:

Leadership:

Tina Singer, Chief Fire Officer of the Runanga Volunteer Fire Brigade (West Coast District). The award recognises Tina’s work within her brigade, her leadership role within the West Coast Provincial Fire Brigades Association and her ongoing support for WFENZ on the Coast.

Auahatanga (We Strive to Improve)

Grant Campbell, Advisor Readiness and Recovery, and Wayne Hamilton, Senior Advisor Readiness and Recovery, (Canterbury District). The award acknowledges Grant and Wayne’s groundbreaking work on the Port Hills in Christchurch to make it easier for property owners to plant fire-resistant species to slow the spread of wildfire in the urban-rural interface.

Kia Tika (We do the Right Thing)

Lake Rotoiti Volunteer Fire Brigade (Nelson Marlborough District). The award reflects the brigade’s ongoing work with their community to reduce the wildfire risk for the small community of Saint Arnaud.

Manaakitanga (We Serve and Support)

Leeston Volunteer Fire Brigade (Canterbury District). Following the establishment of the new Canterbury District, the Leeston Brigade decided to increase their focus on community engagement and fire safety education. This award recognises their commitment to improving community resilience.

Whanaungatanga (We are Better Together)

Wayne Hamilton, Senior Advisor Readiness and Recovery (Canterbury District). This award recognises “Ham’s” longstanding dedication to building strong relationships with partner agencies, leading to successful inter-agency fire risk reduction and community safety initiatives, and better outcomes for those directly affected by fire.

Region Manager’s Award

Alastair Thornley, Senior Firefighter (Mid South Canterbury District) for his leadership of the Critical Incident Personal Stress Support programme over 20 years. In his citation, Paul Henderson said that Alastair epitomised what the CIPSS service provided. “The most important attributes of being a successful peer supporter are integrity, empathy, respect and trust. Al displays all of these qualities in spades.”