Challenges Committee
The National Challenges Committee is responsible for overseeing the rules, conditions, and programmes of all UFBA Challenges. The Committee consists of the entire Technical Panel, a representative of the Board, the UFBA Chief Executive Officer, a representative of the NZFS National Commander, the NZFS National Training Manager, and two nominated NZFS Regional Managers.
Nigel Lilley
ChairpersonCurrently the Chief Fire Officer of the Rolleston Volunteer Fire Brigade, Nigel was elected to the UFBA Board in November 2010. Prior to that, he served on the executives of both the Mid Canterbury Fire Brigades Sub Association and the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades Association. Over the years, Nigel has also been heavily involved with organising and participating in UFBA Challenges.
Paul McGill
Committee MemberPaul is the nominated representative of Mike Hall, NZFS National Commander and CEO. He is the Director of Operations and Training for the New Zealand Fire Service.
Rob Dixon
Committee MemberRob was elected to the Technical Panel at the 2010 Conference in Christchurch. He is a Senior Firefighter at Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Joe Manihera
Committee MemberJoe was elected to the Technical Panel at the 2011 UFBA Conference in his home town of Invercargill. He is a VSO for the Southern Fire Region.
Russell Allen
Committee MemberRussell is the newest member of the Technical Panel. He serves in the Auckland Fire Police and was elected to the Panel at the November 2010 Conference in Wellington.
Tom Reid
Committee MemberTom has been in aviation firefighting for nearly 30 years, serving at the Dunedin Airport prior to transferring to the Christchurch Airport. Prior to that, he served as a Volunteer Firefighter at Geraldine and Kaiapoi stations for 14 years.His challenges experience includes 24 years of competing in Waterway Challenges, three National Drivers Challenges, two National Firefighter Combat Challenges, and two Australasian competitions. He has also coached the Airport waterway team for the last five years.
David Guard
Committee MemberDavid is the National Training Manager based in Wellington.
George Verry
Committee MemberGeorge joined the UFBA as Chief Executive Officer in November of 2008, and has worked closely with the Challenges Committee since that time.