Karikari Rural Fire F
Rural brigade serving local community for 47 years
An enthusiastic audience responded with cheers and cheeky comments to MC John McMahon’s quips — particularly regarding missing fire helmets — during the recent Karikari Rural Fire Force Annual Awards evening.
Held in the Karikari Community Hall, the event was well attended by members of the Karikari Fire Force, their supporters and also representatives from from Rangiputa, Taupo Bay, Broadwood and Mangonui fire brigades.
McMahon told the gathering the evening was a special time to “look back to the past, embrace the present and to look forward to the future”.
He reminded everyone the Karikari rural brigade had served the local community for 47 years, and as well as fighting fires had contributed to the community in a number of ways, including donating $20,000 to the hall development over this time.
Denis Cooper, area manager natural environment Northland Fire and Emergency, said the Karikari brigade was one of the region’s “go-tos”, as it always “stepped up” when the need arises. This meant a lot to other brigades knowing that Karikari had “their back” and could be relied on, for example at the recent fire at Ahipara.
He congratulated all the recipients of awards and also didn’t miss the opportunity to mention an absent fire helmet — clearly the running joke of the night.
Awards went to:
Most Musters (or the Get A life Award!) — Phil Rako
For Dedication — Bill Steele (absent)
Top Team — Team four, Josh Raharuhi, Ali Busby and Phil (the fill in) Rako
Fireground Leadership — Josh Raharuhi
Firefighter of the Year — Wyvern Roff
3 year medals — Phil Rako, Whetu Rutene, Christian McDonald 3 year bars for Service — Wyvern Roff 6 years, Steven Waters 9
years, Mark Tufuga 9 years, Kaia Kerrisk: 9 years, Ali Busby: 12 years, Larraine McMahon: 23 years, John McMahon: 24 years
Long Service Good Conduct Medal — 14 years: Ra Hita Gold Bar — 33 7 years Boyce Lawrence.