United Fire Brigades' Association of NZ

27/10/2026

🔥 A special celebration for 2026: Announcing our UFBA Brigade of the Year winners!🔥

As part of International Volunteer Year, UFBA presented its Brigade of the Year campaign in August, inviting communities across Aotearoa to share why their local volunteer fire brigade means so much to them. Over nine weeks, we received an incredible 784 nominations representing 143 brigades from across New Zealand, celebrating the dedication, compassion and community spirit of our volunteer firefighters. These nominations will be put on our website over the coming weeks.

Here are the winners:

🏆 UFBA Small Brigade: Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade
Puhoi Volunteer Fire Brigade is the heart of its village, going above and beyond to support, protect and bring its community together. From local events and safety education to raising nearly $12,000 for blood cancer patients; they truly embody the spirit of looking after people.

🏆 UFBA Medium Brigade: Portland Volunteer Fire Brigade
Portland Volunteer Fire Brigade has been serving its rural community since 1958, going above and beyond to protect, support and bring people together. From responding to emergencies to supporting local schools, youth groups and residents in need; their teamwork, generosity and community spirit is what volunteering is all about.

🏆 UFBA Large Brigade: Featherston Volunteer Fire Brigade
Featherston Volunteer Fire Brigade is more than an emergency response team - they're a vital part of their community. From supporting families in need through their annual foodbank collection to attending local events, teaching fire safety and protecting homes during severe weather; their dedication and compassion make a lasting difference.

Congratulations to all three brigades and all those nominated! 👏❤️

Your dedication to your communities, the time, skills and energy you give to support them makes a real difference and we’re proud to celebrate you all.

Join us in congratulating our UFBA Brigades of the Year 2026! 🎉

24/10/2026

Emergency Services Panel Q&A answering our delegates questions - thanks to Fire and Emergency NZ, New Zealand Police, National Emergency Management Agency and Hato Hone St John Ambulance for helping us all better understand each other at the UFBA Conference Hui 2026

24/10/2026

Join us on the livestream for our last day of the UFBA Conference Hui 2026!

https://www.ufba.org.nz/events-learning/agm-and-conference-hui

24/10/2026

Dave Letele “Buttabean” kicked off our conference yesterday! Definitely got those endorphins moving 🙌

23/10/2026

We had a great day today at the 148th UFBA Annual General Meeting. Thank you to all our delegates for your participation and constructively sharing your thoughts.

If you missed the livestream, here is a link to watch Board Chair, Hon. Peter Dunne's final UFBA AGM address:

This is "UFBA Board Chair AGM Address 2026" by UFBA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

22/10/2026

🔥WATCH THE UFBA AGM LIVE!🔥

Can’t join us in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland? You can still tune in!

The 148th UFBA Annual General Meeting (AGM) begins at 1pm TODAY, bringing members together for important discussions and decisions shaping our association.

📺 Watch the livestream! View from 1pm here: https://www.ufba.org.nz/events-learning/agm-and-conference-hui

We look forward to having you join us online!

22/10/2026

Congratulations to the NZ firefighters competing over in the USA at the World Firefighter Challenge 🙌 amazing times coming through and world record breaking achievements!

21/10/2026

🙌 REMINDER: Register for the UFBA leadership workshop in Paihia!🙌

Ready to strengthen your leadership skills? Join us in Paihia for two days of practical learning, fresh insights and tools that have already benefited more than 1,000 UFBA members.

Led by Damian D’Cruz, the workshop covers leadership styles, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, motivating volunteers and building a positive brigade culture.

📅 6–7 November 2026
📍 Paihia
🎉 Free for UFBA members!

No formal leadership role required; these skills can benefit everyone.

👉 Register now: https://www.ufba.org.nz/events-learning/leadership-worksho

14/10/2026

🔥ONE WEEK TO GO! WATCH THE UFBA AGM & CONFERENCE HUI 2026 LIVE🔥

Can’t join us in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland? You can still be part of the action!

The UFBA AGM & Conference Hui 2026 is just one week away. Next weekend we will come together for important discussions, shared learning and a celebration of our fire service community.

📅 23–25 October 2026

Tune in to the livestream to catch key moments from the AGM & Hui, including thought-provoking speakers, industry insights and conversations shaping the future of our association.

📺 From 23 October you can find the livestream details and event information here: https://www.ufba.org.nz/events-learning/agm-and-conference-hui

We look forward to bringing the AGM & Hui to you - wherever you are in New Zealand!

14/10/2026

💪 HELP POWER THE 2027 UFBA CHALLENGE SEASON! 🧠

We’re calling for expressions of interest from UFBA members keen to volunteer as officials across our 2027 Challenge events!

These events rely on dedicated volunteers to bring the action to life. From supporting competitors as they put their skills to the test to helping ensure each event runs safely and smoothly; your contribution makes a real difference.

What’s in it for you? Build your skills, connect with firefighters from across the country and become part of a team where camaraderie and lasting friendships are at the heart of what we do.

✈️ UFBA covers flights where necessary, travel costs and accommodation for those who commit to attending.

Ready to get involved? Put your hand up and be part of the team that makes it happen!

👉 Register your interest by emailing the Events Team [email protected]