2010 National Competitions

Don Geddes, Ashburton DC, advises that this year's competition will be held on Sat. 20 November at the Ashburton Domain. Click here for the notice.

Assistance for Teams Attending Competitions

At its meeting of 13 February 2008, the FRFANZ Committee agreed to make available up to $5000 of its funds to sponsor teams wishing to attend the annual National Rural Fire Competition. The Committee has done this in recognition of the considerable benefits that ensue in skills with firefighters training for competitions, and from networking of firefighters from around the country. Travel and accommodation costs can impose a significant barrier to this, and it is hoped that FRFANZ's sponsorship will encourage and promote future participation of teams.

  2008 National Competitions

The 2008 competition was held at the Blenheim A&P Showgrounds on Sat. 22 November. There were a total of 14 teams competing, 12 in  the Open Grade (including 1 mixed team), and 2 in the Ladies Grade. The 3 'gun' teams from last year continued their dominance in the Open Grade, although honours were shared, with locals Kenepuru winning the overall aggregate (see below). With the exception of the Replacement Length Event, times were a little slower than last year. The Wellington City Bush team were most improved on the day, taking 36 seconds off their first time for the second Wajax run, to come in 6th. Blenheim were also debutantes, and impressed with an overall 4th placing.

 Some suggested that unfamiliarity with the dogleg track may have caused this. However, this was no impediment to the Ladies as the winning DOC Bomberas turned in virtually the same time for the Standard Wajax Event, improved onn their Replacement Length, and missed a new record for the Aggregate by hundredths of a second. The Tuis, out of Rotorua, were hot on their heels. The Timberlands teams are keen to host the competition next year in Rotorua.

Teams wishing for sponsorship should write/email to the FRFANZ Sec/Treas. Morrie Geenty