The Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated a very monumental presentation on Saturday night at the Edgewater Resort and Spa.

Late last year, the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade became the first international brigade to join as members of the United Fire Brigade Association.

The United Fire Brigade Association is a New Zealand organisation which has been around for over 140 years. They work with over 13,000 members to across New Zealand. They provide service awards recognising individual firefighters for their contributions to fire and emergency services in their communities.

On Saturday, after a lot of hard work and organisation, the brigade honoured two firefighters who had earnt the Gold Star award for 25 years of service.

Tarina Moorfield of the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade said: “Obtaining a Gold Star in the Fire Service is the pinnacle of any firefighter’s career. And subsequent years of service are recognised with Gold Bars for every two years of service.”

Shirley Hill also accepted Barry Hill’s Honorary Life Membership to the brigade. SUPPLIED/21092721

Barry Hill was posthumously awarded a Gold Star for 25 years of service and seven Gold Bars for the subsequent 15 years of service.

His daughter Nikki Baker-Hill received his medals on behalf of her late father. His wife, Shirley Hill was recognised for her support for Barry and the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade. She also accepted Barry’s Honorary Life Membership to the brigade.

Nikki Baker-Hill received her late father Barry Hill’s (pictured in the background) medals. SUPPLIED/21092722

John Koteka was awarded his Gold Star for 25 years of service and three Gold bars for the subsequent seven years he served.

“John spent the first 17 years as a volunteer firefighter in Foxton Beach Fire brigade before moving to Rarotonga and joining Puaikura. His wife, Liz Koteka was recognised for her years of support for John whilst he served as a firefighter,” Moorfield said.

“Now that the Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade are members of the UFBA, all of their members will be eligible for service awards. They are planning to present these next year at their 20^th anniversary of the brigade.”