Firefighting couple keen to volunteer

26 January 2016

It's not everyone's idea of a romantic date night, but for Mikaere and Sophia Gardiner training with the Southern Lake Taupo Volunteer Rural Fire Force is something they look forward to each fortnight.

The Kuratau couple signed up to the area's new fire force when it was formed late last year and have been getting into training together over the last few weeks.

Taupo District Council has been working with the Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority to create the new force, which will serve the southern and western parts of the district

Mrs Gardiner said she knew there was a need for a new team and saw it as a good opportunity to get involved in the community.

We're a young family in the community and we didn't like the idea of there not being an active team, she said. We thought it could be a good way to meet some people and positively get involved.

She said she had always been interested in volunteering and protecting the community from fire was a worthy cause.

It's just something really worthwhile to be involved in, she said. If one of us is held up with something, there's always going to be one of us available - at least we can be a helpful household.

Both Mr and Mrs Gardiner are artists by trade, and have seven-year-old daughter Frida who thinks it's all pretty cool and exciting. Mrs Gardiner said it was nice to have an activity she and her husband could do together.

Mr Gardiner said he was surprised his wife was interested in volunteering but pleased they had both signed up for the training.

It's nice to be involved in the community a bit more, he said. Everybody down here's really friendly.

Anyone interested in volunteering to join one of our two rural fire forces can contact rural fire manager Roger Nelson on 07 376 0690 or 027 451 4556.