West Coast Firefighters celebrate graduation of cultural programme with pounamu Tohu

After reaching the milestone of becoming one of the first Brigades in the country(external link) where every member completed "He Tīmatanga Kōrero - Introductory Knowledge of Kaupapa Māori" and earned their wearable Tohu, the Hokitika Fire Station, alongside members of neighbouring brigades, sought to deepen their understanding of the many cultures in their community.

Taking the initiative, they developed their own cultural programme. As part of this, they learned the art of carving a new Tohu from pounamu, symbolising their continued achievements as a Brigade. Their Tohu were blessed by local Hāpū Ngāti Waewae and presented to the Brigade during their graduation at Arahua Marae early November.