Provincial title defended by team
The team: Josh Woolf, James Mackay, Neil Gardiner, Steve Hutchinson and Philip Woolf: “The nationals will be a huge challenge and we expect to learn heaps.” Photo: Ken George Photography.
The Takaka Volunteer Fire Brigade defended their provincial title in the first weekend of October.
The competition, called “Waterways” tested the fire-fighters’ skills across a range of nine authentic disciplines including getting water to the truck from a hydrant or well, hitting predetermined targets, using a range of fire-fighting equipment, extending a hose or replacing a burst length. All of these skills were tested under competitive conditions.
For winning the inter-provincial title, the Takaka team was presented with the inaugural Jacqui Woolf Memorial Medal, an award initiated by the Nelson Marlborough Provincial Fire Brigades Association.
The Takaka team, consisting of Josh Woolf, James Mackay, Neil Gardiner, Steve Hutchinson and Philip Woolf, went to the Richmond A&P grounds to compete against teams from Greymouth, Brunner, Blenheim, Richmond, Ross and Darfield.
Richmond gave the Takaka team a good run for its money, according to team spokesman James Mackay, but our men came out on top. The team will be representing the region at the national champs in Carterton from 2-5 November.
“We’re training twice a week at the moment. The nationals will be a huge challenge and we expect to learn heaps.”
Neil Wilson
