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

18 September 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomed 25 new career firefighters at a graduation ceremony in Rotorua today.

Whānau and friends gathered at Fire and Emergency’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.

Emerson Coe, 33, was awarded most outstanding recruit.

Emerson has a background in youth mental health and youth justice work and now as a career firefighter will be based in Nelson.

"I have dreamed of being a firefighter since I was a kid, and it felt like the right time to pursue the dream.

"I can't wait to get back to my station, get to know my watch and do my best to serve the community and be a role model for the next generation who see this as a career path," he says.

Graduating alongside Emerson is Sophie Mahuru, 23, who comes from a family of firefighters.

"I grew up seeing the pride and meaning in the role and always knew it was something I wanted to follow."

She says her favourite part of the course was the two weeks of Breathing Apparatus (BA) training.

"I enjoyed learning everything from commissioning a set, through to search and rescue, and then putting it all together.

"It’s a firefighter's bread and butter."

Sophie says she would encourage anyone who was considering firefighting as a career to put their name forward.

"The training is challenging but really rewarding, and you’ll grow so much along the way.

"If you enjoy working as part of a team and want a career that’s meaningful and exciting, it’s one of the best choices you can make."

Sophie will be based in Auckland.

Stafford Hector left a career in financial services to finally pursue his dream of being a firefighter.

He says he was especially inspired to make the change after moving to New Zealand from South Africa.

"I have always had a deep need to help others and how better to do so than being the best I can be on someone’s worst day."

Stafford says training over the last three months has been incredible.

"The team spirit and true camaraderie has been great, whether it’s the easy times, the study, or some of the really tough physical tests and challenges we need to face."

He encourages anyone, no matter their age, to take the leap.

"Don’t let age hold you back. Fire and Emergency values life experience just as much as physical ability.

"If you’ve got the drive to serve your community, work as part of a high performing tight team and keep learning every day, you’re never too old to start the journey."

Stafford will be based in St Heliers.

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

Locations of deployment:

Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland: 11

Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington: 6

Whakatū | Nelson: 1

Kawerau | Bay of Plenty: 2

Tairawhiti | Gisborne: 3

Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawkes Bay: 1

Ōtepoti | Dunedin: 1