22 new career firefighters join the Fire and Emergency New Zealand team

19 June 2025

Twenty-two firefighters swapped their green trainee helmets for their yellow operational helmets at their graduation yesterday in Rotorua.

Whānau and friends gathered at Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s National Training Centre (NTC) to watch their loved ones demonstrate the skills learnt during the 12-week recruit course.

These skills include fighting fires, extricating trapped people from vehicles, managing hazardous substances, and search and rescue.

The Most Outstanding Recruit award went to Tristan Shepherd, 25, for displaying outstanding skills, leadership, and mana throughout the course.

Tristan, who will be based in Auckland, was an Air Force firefighter and volunteer firefighter at his local brigade.

"As a volunteer, I really enjoyed the variation of callouts and the wider interaction with the community, so it just made sense to join as a career firefighter," he says.

"I’m looking forward to meeting my crew, getting stuck into working in the community, and station life."

Tristan says anyone who is thinking about applying should back themselves and give it a crack.

"Everybody has a different skillset and that’s the beauty of having four crew members in the truck, everyone brings something different to the table," he says.

Another former volunteer firefighter who graduated yesterday is builder Matt Price, 32, who will be based in Auckland.

Matt joined the Woodend Volunteer Fire Brigade at 16 and was a volunteer for four years but has always wanted to be a career firefighter.

"Having our son changed my perspective on things. How could I tell him to chase his dreams if I never chased mine? So, I gave it a crack and here we are," Matt says.

"I can’t wait to get on station and implement the skills we’ve learnt over the last 12 weeks."

Another one of the graduates was 39-year-old Robert Ford, who will be based in Gisborne.

Robert was born in England, but spent most of his life in Los Angeles, where he worked in film set and prop decoration until he moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021.

"I’ve been a creative problem solver for all my working life, and when I discovered that my skillset could be applied towards those in need, I felt a real drive to be a part of this team.

"I wanted a job that I could look back at and say that I contributed to this country and left it in a better place for my kids," Robert says.

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) part of the course was Robert’s favourite.

"It was the most physically demanding part, but also the most insightful. It really demonstrated how your crew becomes an extension of your whānau," he says.

Also among the graduates was Jacinda Nicholls, 22, who grew up on a dairy farm and most recently managed a gymnastics club.

Working in gymnastics means Jacinda is no stranger to keeping fit and healthy for mahi. She says as a firefighter, she’s looking forward to continuing to show young girls they can do anything they put their minds to.

"The Breathing Apparatus (BA) Training Building is pretty much a big and hot playground. It was a massive challenge which made it more rewarding when I made it through," Jacinda says.

Recruits practise navigating through smoked filled spaces wearing Breathing Apparatus in the training building.

Jacinda will be based in Auckland.

26-year-old Tāne Tangaroa Brown also graduated yesterday and will be based in Auckland.

Tāne was a personal trainer and wanted a job that encompasses his values; physical fitness, teamwork, problem solving, and serving a bigger purpose.

"Being a role model for rangitahi like my nieces and nephews really drove me to apply," he says.

One of Tāne’s favourite parts of the course was building strong bonds with his fellow trainees.

"If you’re thinking about applying, remember everyone has something to contribute. Always put your best foot forward and don’t be discouraged if you don’t make it in on the first go."

Congratulations to all the graduates and nau mai ki te whānau - welcome to the family.

Locations of deployment:

Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland: 12

Tairāwhiti | Gisborne: 1

Manawatū/Whanganui: 2

Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington: 7