Mamaku Volunteer Fire Brigade

10/06/2026

Good morning mamaku another frost today, the friendly team from fulton hogan are on dansey road laying some grit for us . Leave 5 mins earlier to get to your destination on time, drive slow, don't be the person that over takes everyone (you might be embarrassed if "ya lost it" and "ya can't park there mate".
Enjoy the nice day ahead from the team at MVFB

26/05/2026

🎀 Come along this Sunday for a great family day out supporting Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness! 💗

Grab a bite to eat, watch the hunters weigh in, and support an awesome cause. There’ll be plenty of food available and you might even spot a few familiar faces from the Mamaku bridge 🚒

Bring the whānau down and help make a difference!

Our ROTORUA ITM BIG 3 Hunting Comp is happening this weekend.
This year due to a very hectic schedule, instead of our normal PINK RIBBON brekkie we will be holding a mini food stall💗

If you’re around, come down and check out all the animals being weighed in from all the hunters battling it out for some awesome prizes.

While you’re there, keep an eye out for the CENTRAL PRIDE gazebo. That’s where you’ll find the kai 🌭🍔🍟

Bring the whānau down, grab a bite to eat and help support PINK RIBBON Breast Cancer Awareness 💗

26/05/2026

🚒 This Week’s Brigade Spotlight 🚒

Meet Kat Fleming Senior Firefighter (SFF)

🔥 How long have you been part of the Mamaku Brigade?
“I’ve been part of Mamaku Brigade for 7.5 years now.”

❤️ What does serving the Mamaku community as a volunteer firefighter mean to you personally?
“I’ve grown up helping others in different volunteer roles, but never lived somewhere that had a local brigade to join. I take pride in being able to help people during what is often one of the worst moments of their lives.”

😂 What keeps you motivated to keep volunteering besides the occasional feed after training?
“No two callouts are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn and see.”

👨‍👩‍👦 What do you enjoy most about being part of the Mamaku Brigade and the crew around you?
“It’s like an extension of your family. My son has grown up around the station and helping where he could, and I’m proud to say he’s now a recruit firefighter alongside me.”

🚒 Training nights can be serious business… but also full of laughs. How do they help build both skills and strong friendships within the brigade?
“Those that can laugh together, stay together. It’s serious business at a callout, so we train as best we can to get it right. But when learning something new at training, there’s always an opportunity for entertainment when someone’s trying something out for the first time!”

🤝 What makes the culture at Mamaku Volunteer Fire Brigade special — and who’s usually responsible for the most chaos at training?
“If any one of us needs help on any level, we all usually turn up — whether it’s moving house, filling swimming pools, or anything else needed. Spending time together outside the station gives us another reason to have a laugh and work as a team.”

☕ Balancing brigade life with work, family, and everyday life isn’t always easy. How do you manage it all?
“I have a very supportive husband and son — even before he started coming to callouts with me. Strong coffee works wonders when you’ve had two hours’ sleep and it’s time to get up for work… if you even get back to sleep lol.”

🏅 What’s been one of your proudest or most memorable moments while serving with the brigade?
“Getting my truck licence and becoming an emergency response driver and pump operator. Also, having my son ride in the truck with me is always a highlight.”

👏 What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer firefighter?
“You only live once, right?! Definitely give it a go you’ll achieve so much more than you think you can.”

Thank you Kat for everything you do for both the brigade and the Mamaku community! 🚒🔥

13/05/2026

Hey everyone you may have heard a sick sounding siren this evening.... Yes it's our new one while we are grateful it got your attention we are also hoping it will sound more like our old one, please bear with us over the next day or so while we run tests when the techs are back. Thanks mvfb

09/05/2026

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day 🌸

From all of us at Mamaku Brigade, we want to wish all the incredible mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day ❤️

We are lucky to have so many amazing mums as part of our brigade. Thank you for everything you do — for your families, your community, and our crew 🚒

Your hard work, strength, and support never go unnoticed.

The Mamaku Crew ❤️

05/05/2026

🔥 This Week’s Brigade Spotlight 🔥

Meet Justin Smith – Senior Station Officer 👨‍🚒

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Justin, one of our Senior Station Officers who plays a key role in leading our crew and keeping things running smoothly on station and at incidents 👏

👨‍🚒 How long have you been part of the brigade?
I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for 31 years, and I joined the Mamaku Brigade 4 years ago.

☺️ What inspired you to join in the first place?
When I was an apprentice, my foreman was a volunteer firefighter and encouraged me to come along and check it out. I got hooked straight away especially the idea of riding in a fire truck and the adrenaline that comes with the job.

🧯Looking back on your time as a firefighter, what’s a moment that stands out as especially rewarding or memorable?
Competing in hose-running competitions stands out. I competed for 5 years and loved the atmosphere. It also gave me the chance to travel around the country and meet other firefighters.

⛑️ Was there a point where you realised this was more than just a phase and something you wanted to commit to long-term?
Yes—after attending my first MVA (motor vehicle accident). That experience made me realise I truly wanted to be there to help people in their time of need.

🧯What keeps you coming back. beyond the sirens, snacks, and a bit of chaos?
The sense of camaraderie and belonging to such a great organisation's keeps me coming back.

💥What do you enjoy most about being part of the Mamaku Brigade?
Mamaku Brigade has become like a family. We’re a tight-knit crew, and it’s reassuring to know we always have each other’s backs, no matter what.

🔈In your view, what makes your crew such a great team to work with?
The willingness to learn and the drive to improve. Everyone is always looking to expand their knowledge and be better.

🙋‍♀️Outside of firefighting, what do you enjoy doing to relax or recharge?
I keep pretty busy outside the brigade. I own a business, Lakeside Paint and Panel, and enjoy spending time with my wife. I’m also a member—and Vice President—of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club NZ3. On top of that, I’m involved with the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Gold Star Association as Junior Vice President, and I’m an Executive Member of the K55 Firefighters Support Charitable Trust.

🔥What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer firefighter?
It’s not just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. It’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do as a volunteer, and the friendships you build along the way will last a lifetime.

03/05/2026

‼️Important Notice‼️

Kia ora everyone,

Our siren will be out of action from today until later in the week, so you won’t hear it in town.

Please be assured we are still fully operational and responding as normal helping those in need is our number one priority.

Thanks for your understanding ❤️

Mamaku Volunteer Fire Brigade

03/05/2026

🔥 Whakanuia Ngā Kaipatuahi 🔥
Today, on International Firefighters’ Day (Te Rā o Ngā Kaipatuahi o Te Ao), we at Mamaku Station want to honour the courage, resilience, and dedication of firefighters here and around the world. Thank you for protecting our whānau and communities every day. Ka mau te wehi!

29/04/2026

Almost the 1st of May almost the beginning of winter
An april update in regards to the nz road toll.

35 people...KILLED so far this month!!
13 people...KILLED in the past week!!
PLEASE..PLEASE..SLOW DOWN, CONCENTRATE - OTHERS CAN MAKE MISTAKES!!! ITS NOT A RACE!! (Statics stolen from Rotorua chat line thanks for keeping us updated of all the news in our and surrounding areas)

We all know the Danseys can be challenging at the best of times there has been 1 crash already
Drive safe slow down drive to the conditions.

If u want to meet the fire crew safest way is to come to a station training on a monday night not out there on the roads

23/04/2026

It is that time of the year leaves falling from the trees and the weather is getting cooler.
Time to clean that chimney to avoid any fires.
Did you know have a chimney cleaner in mamaku.
Feel free to touch base with Rubin one of our many mamaku business that support our brigade