Meet Lesina Walden
We are thrilled to welcome Lesina Walden as our newest Independent Board Member.
With 35 years of volunteer firefighting service, Lesina has been a trailblazer – serving as past president of the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association and the first female president of the Auckland Provincial Gold Star Association. She is currently Vice President of the UFBA and remains deeply involved in firefighters wellbeing at a grass roots level.
Why Lesina Joined Us
The NZ Firefighters Welfare Society holds a special place in Lesina’s heart. When her family needed support, the Society was there – covering travel costs when her daughter fell ill and offering a holiday home for her to convalesce in, assisting with Lesina’s own medical expenses, and providing comfort during difficult times. “It’s not just a gift basket or a voucher – it’s real, meaningful support.” she shares, “They’ve been there for me and my family when we’ve needed them and just can’t help us enough.”
When you’re away from home, that’s the stuff you need
Lesina has witnessed firsthand the impact of the Society, from helping her 16-year-old grandson in hospital to supporting a young firefighter recovering from a stroke. “He was only 44, I spoke to the rep in the area and he went to see them asking what they could do to help – and when you’re away from home, that’s the stuff you need.”
At the moment Lesina believes there is a lack of knowledge about what the Society does, which is why she has joined the Board. Passionate about spreading awareness, Lesina is keen to ensure more firefighters – both career and volunteer – know the benefits of membership.
You can bring in your children even if they’re not in the brigade
Lesina reminds people, “you can bring in your children even if they’re not in the brigade and that’s been a huge help as well. When my grandson had a major surgery they were there for him to put a smile on his face – it brought a tear to my eye. What do you give a 16 year old who’s in hospital? They gave him vouchers – including a Warehouse one and he was able to get something he wanted relevant to his age. Just brilliant. That human touch really makes a difference.”
Firefighting runs in Lesina’s family, with her daughter, son-in-law and brother-in-law a mixture of volunteer and career firefighters. Among her other roles, Lesina still volunteers at Rotorua Ops Support and is a pager monitor for Peer Support, covering Nga Tai Ki Te Puku (Region 2). (Pager Supports check in with firefighters to ensure they are okay after attending traumatic events.)
Lesina and her daughter, Michelle Smith (Welfare Station Rep for Mamaku).
L to R: Lesina’s son-in-law, Justin Smith, SSO Mamaku, who is also a Station Rep for the Society; Michelle and Lesina. Photo taken when volunteering at the Welfare exhibit for the leadership conference in Rotorua.
Can You Help Us Spread The Word To Your Colleagues?
“Having that backstop of support from the Welfare is invaluable. It’s important that there are people there for you, for volunteers too in particular, as they give so much.”
Lesina believes more firefighters need to know about the Society and join, so help is there when they need it. “For what we pay, you can’t complain. Membership covers you, your partner (and your children to the age of 19), which is rare these days. (After that, your adult children can become members in their own right.)”
“The Society truly cares. When I reach out to Karen and Amanda, nothing is ever too much trouble. You can tell them anything, and they listen.”
Lesina has seen this support firsthand. “My granddaughter, who has IBD, had to be flown to Auckland Hospital, and the Society was amazing. Sometimes, knowing someone genuinely cares means more than a $100 voucher. That kind of support is huge in recovery.”
