Zack and Leigh-Anne Smith
About 130 brigade members, partners and guests attended the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade honours evening.
Deane and Ange Mark were recognised for unwavering dedication, exceptional commitment and outstanding service. Photo: Kwiksmart Photography
Lisa Atkinson, not for the first time, was named firefighter of the year by the brigade.
The year was summarised by MC senior station officer Danny Smith and a video presentation was compiled by firefighter Hels Wilkes.
The brigade had responded to more than 460 alarms since the last honours evening, when there had been 409 in the 12 months prior.
Members had again seen successful in national and international firefighting competitions and the brigade completed one of the largest fundraising events in its history to fund a replacement response vehicle.
Several accolades came the way of Jude and Dave Shaw. Photo: Kwiksmart Photography
Members participated in local and national football competitions, clay bird shooting and the Sky Tower stair climb and memorial climb.
The year has seen significant improvements to the station, while brigade numbers remain strong with a continued focus on training.
Brigade support Ken Calendar and deputy chief fire officer Karl Tutty were recognised at separate functions with the United Fire Brigades Association “Gold Star” 25-year service medals.
A high profile was maintained at a wide range of community events including numerous school and pre-school visits.
Brigade Firefighter of the year Lisa Atkinson. Photo: Kwiksmart Photography
Chief fire officer Ian Campbell said 2026 was looking positive with several new projects and initiatives being considered.
The United Fire Brigade Association Awards recognise members service with a certificate after three years, a silver medal after five years, with a silver medal bar every additional two years.
Recipients were: Three year certificates – operational support Scott Stapleton, brigade support Addy Mark, firefighters Kayden Mackenzie-Griffin and Josh Orzecki. Five year medals – firefighters Ngawaka Stojanovic-Swift, Lisa Atkinson, Ben Gulliver, Ngaia Henry. Two year silver bar, 11 years’ service, station officer Lale Stapleford, 13 years’ service – firefighter Christie Anderson, 23 years’ service – firefighter Geoffrey Baker.
After 25 years’ service a member is awarded the United Fire Brigades Gold Star 25-year service medal and receives a gold bar for every subsequent two years. Recipients were: 27 years – station officer Colin Munro, senior station officer Glenn Anderson, 35 years – firefighters Rob Willey, Dave Shaw, 39 years – volunteer support officer Grant Mitchell, 43 years – chief fire officer Ian Campbell, 45 years – senior station officer Lex Soepnel.
Brigade Excellence Award winner Ryan Johnstone. Photo: Kwiksmart Photography
Presentations then moved to the awarding of The New Zealand Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. A member is eligible after 14 years’ service, with a medal clasp awarded every subsequent seven years. Recipients were: 14 years – firefighter Shaun Higginson, third clasp for 35 years – firefighters Rob Willey, Dave Shaw.
The second part of the evening was devoted to awards from the brigade itself to supporters and members who had made outstanding contributions during the year. The recipients were Zack and Leigh-Anne Smith for outstanding support and dedication to the brigade, Jude Shaw for outstanding support and dedication to the brigade and capturing the brigade’s journey and legacy as the photographer for many brigade events and Deane and Ange Mark for unwavering dedication, exceptional commitment and outstanding service, most recently leading the brigades major fundraising event, making a profound impact on the brigade and community.
Brigade members awards: Attendance Cup – senior station officer Danny Smith and firefighter Lochlan Rollinson. Brigade Crew Cup – presented to the Fundraising Committee. Brigade Excellence awards: firefighter Ryan Johnstone, Ray Bailey Trophy for firefighter of the year, Lisa Atkinson
Zack and Leigh-Anne Smith were recognised for outstanding support and dedication to the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade over many years. Photo: Kwiksmart Photography
