Three Kawakawa volunteer firefighters are packing their bags for the trip of a lifetime to Valencia.

Albert Cash, David Hancy and Nau Hura are off to Spain on Monday (June 18) as members of the New Zealand waka crew supporting Team New Zealand’s bid to regain the America’s Cup.

Albert is a trainee teacher, and David and Nau are students at Bay of Islands College. The latter two are 17, and David will celebrate his 18th birthday in Valencia.

The threesome are keen members of the Nga Toki Mata Whaoru Waka Crew, as well as members of the Kawakawa Volunteer Fire Brigade. The invitation to go to Spain has come as an unexpected shock.

“I’m looking forward to an awesome experience,” says Albert, who expects to be in Spain for about 10 days. “Great, exciting” says Nau, who is looking forward to his second trip overseas. He has been a member of his waka crew “for years”.

Kawakawa chief fire officer Wayne Martin says he is proud of his young firefighters and what they have achieved.

He says the men leave New Zealand at the beginning of National Volunteer Awareness Week, and says they are wonderful role models for young Maori, and for youngsters who volunteer their time for their communities and their culture.

Bay of Islands College has six teachers and students serving as volunteer firefighters in the brigade. Wayne says the brigade initially went to the college with recruiting in mind, and the increased awareness of brigade activities within the community has meant the school has been happy to continue supporting staff and students who volunteer.

Fire Service Northland Region Commander Trevor Andrews says the young men are talented leaders in their community, and examples of the diverse range of skilled people who become volunteer firefighters throughout New Zealand. He says the prestigious invitation shows how skilled and highly regarded the men are as waka crew members.

“I’m very proud of them, and if they fly the New Zealand Fire Service flag while they are over there, all the better.”

ENDS

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