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Sep 06 2025

Heathcare99 Closure Notice Key Dates and Information

By General Information
At the recent AGM held on the 26th of August 2025, members voted to wind up the Healthcare99 fund and accept the proposal from NIB.  The decision to cease the fund after many years was not made lightly. The fund’s aging demographic and declining membership, reflects the ongoing challenges in sustaining the fund’s viability. As we prepare to wind down Healthcare99, the Board and Staff would…
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Aug 13 2025

Firefighters Helping Firefighters: A Personal Journey Through Crisis and Community

By General Information
By Michelle Smith For as long as I can remember, the fire service has been part of my DNA. Raised in the heart of the fire community by my mother, Lesina Walden, and my late father, Les Peters, I’ve spent a lifetime surrounded by those who run toward danger when others run away. My journey has come full circle, having officially joined the Mamaku Volunteer Fire…
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Aug 13 2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR HEALTHCARE99 MEMBERS

By Healthcare99 No Comments
AGM:  26 August 2025Time: 10.00amHow: Via Teams Link  Please contact amanda@firefighters.org.nz if you wish to attend.  Closer to the time, Amanda will send you a meeting attendance link and the AGM booklet.  At this meeting we will be discussing and voting on the future of our Healthcare99 Mutual Fund. Only Members of Healthcare99 will be able to vote. 
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May 08 2025
Queenstown holiday home

Queenstown Convalescent/Holiday Home

By Holiday/Convalescent Homes
Queenstown Holiday/Convalescent Home Renovations were completed in our Nelson home in July 2023. Take a look at these before and after pictures. BEFORE: The lounge was dated and with the separate dining room, it was overdue a makeover. Update: 8 May 2025 Statement from Bill Swan, Chair We have some great news regarding the search for a replacement Queenstown property. After over three months of…
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May 06 2025

Passing of Brian Thompson (Thomo)

By General Information
It is with sadness that we advise the passing of Brian Thompson (Thomo)Thomo was a great support of the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society – holding the positions of Region 2 Representative, Trustee, Station and Roving Representatives.  He always made a lively contribution to the meetings he attended and was an advocate for the Welfare of Firefighters and their families. Thomo will be missed by many.…
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Apr 10 2025
chair of nzffws

Bill Swan Re-elected As Chair

By Board Nominations, General Information
We’re pleased to announce that Bill Swan has been re-elected as Chair of the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society for another four-year term. This marks a strong vote of confidence from the members in his leadership, vision, and dedication to the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society’s mission of firefighters helping firefighters and their families. Since taking on the role in January 2021, and being formally appointed in…
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Mar 27 2025
Daniel, Ngongotaha fire station

A Member’s Experience: Daniel Voss

By General Information, Membership, Membership Support, Welfare Support
“For the Price of a Coffee a Week, the Support is Phenomenal” Daniel, a Volunteer at Ngongotaha Fire Brigade, has been a proud member of the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society since 2017. He firmly believes in the incredible value membership offers and thinks more people should know about the support on hand. A Lifeline in Difficult Times Daniel has worked full-time in the tourism industry…
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Feb 25 2025
Ops Support NZ Firefighters

Meet Lesina

By Board Nominations, General Information, Membership, Membership Support, Welfare Support
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…
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Nov 27 2024
volunteer firefighters nz

Cheers To Volunteers: A Life Of Service

By General Information, Membership, Membership Support, Welfare Support
This International Volunteer Day, we’re celebrating the incredible work of Volunteers everywhere We sat down with our Chair, Bill Swan, to discuss his journey from Volunteer Firefighter to Career Firefighter, then onto the Chair of the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society. We asked him how volunteerism has shaped his life and community. “Volunteerism is ultimately about serving your community and Levin was still very much my…
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