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Our people

AGM 2019 delegates

The UFBA's services are supported by teams of volunteers across New Zealand in many different roles. Behind the scenes a small team of staff in Wellington, maintain the day-to-day running of the association.

  • Colin Kitchen 2025_cropped.jpg

    Colin Kitchen

    Patron

    The key role of our Patron is to help our Association become more visible, lend credibility to our cause, and where possible, assist the Board and Management to increase the Associations influence, both internally and externally. 

    Colin was made Patron of the UFBA in November 2025. Based in the Far North, Colin has proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in Kaitaia for 57 years, including 10 years as Chief Fire Officer. Colin's governance experience includes time on the Executive of the UFBA and other regional associations, Chair of the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, and more recently as a Northland Regional Councillor.

    Colin has also served on national working groups for volunteer sustainability, recruitment, and employer recognition — areas that are crucial to ensuring volunteer brigades remain strong and supported. This combination of volunteer and governance experience has given him a deep understanding of both the operational realities on the ground and the policy decisions that shape our sector.

     

     

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  • Peter Dunne

    Peter Dunne

    UFBA Board Chair

    The Hon Peter Dunne joined the Board of the UFBA in March 2021 in an ex officio role. In June, he was unanimously elected as Chair of the Board.

    Peter was a member of Parliament from 1984 to 2017. He held many Ministerial portfolios during that time, including Minister of Internal Affairs in 1996 and from 2014 to 2017, and Minister of Revenue in 1996 and from 2005 to 2013.

    He has had a long-standing relationship with the UFBA that extends over many years. Peter's knowledge of fire services in New Zealand and his relationships with Brigades, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the sector generally will be of high-value to the UFBA.

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  • Transition Board Director Kevin Ihaka

    Kevin Ihaka

    UFBA Board Director / Deputy Chair - Appointed

    Kevin is the Managing Director of Forest Protection Services based in Whangārei and brings extensive experience in fighting wildfires across New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada.

    The former Chair of the Forest and Rural Fire Association (FRFANZ), he joined the UFBA Board in 2019 as part of the merger as a Transition Board member and was appointed a director in 2023.

    Kevin holds a number directorships and advisory roles in the forest and rural fire industries.

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  • Jason Prendergast

    Jason Prendergast

    UFBA Board Director - Elected

    Following in a long family line of firefighters, Jason has been heavily involved in Provincial and Sub-Associations.

    A regular face at the UFBA Challenge Events, Jason has contributed many hours to supporting the running of events.

    Jason is Station Officer at Runganga Volunteer Brigade and works for Fire and Emergency supporting local volunteers.

    Elected to the Board in 2022, Jason is also a Past President of the UFBA.

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  • Karl2024_crop2.png

    Karl Scragg

    UFBA Board Director - Elected

    Karl has a passion for the community and a drive to give back. 

    This is reflected in his 32 years of operational experience with the Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade in Tairawhiti, where he is currently the Officer in Charge, and broader volunteer commitment across other organisations, community groups and Civil Defence Emergency Management. Karl was also the first President of the recently established East Coast Provincial Fire Brigades Association in 2023.

    When Karl is not volunteering, he is employed as the National Sale Manager for TDX Ltd NZ.

    Karl was elected to the UFBA Board in 2024 and looks forward to serving his term well for the association and it’s members. 

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  • Kaye Ahsam 2025_cropped.png

    Kaye Ahsam

    UFBA Board Director - Elected

    Ko Te Whau te maunga
    Ko Manawai to roto
    Kei Kerikeri ahau e noho ana erangi, kei Kaitaia I tupu ake ahau,
    Ko Kaye Ahsam tōku ingoa

     Kaye has done 15 years of service as a volunteer and currently works for Fire and Emergency as the Advisor for the National Women’s Development team. She has previous career experience in the equestrian industry and as a business owner. 

    Kaye was one of the first UFBA Board Interns (2024/25) and was elected to the Board in 2025. 

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  • Tom Thomson_Board 2025_cropped.png

    Tom Thomson

    UFBA Board Director - Elected

    Tom is the Managing Director of Elastomer Products Ltd (EPL), Managing Director of EPT (Thailand), Director of Compounding Specialists Ltd (Comspec Plastics recycling), a former National President of Plastics New Zealand, past President of the NZ Manufacturers and Exporters Association. He holds life memberships of both organisations.

    He is a fellow of the NZ institute of management, a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Museum Trust and former honorary fisheries officer. Tom is also a current board member of the Canterbury Manufacturers Trust.

    His FENZ operational role is Deputy Controller and training officer for Motunau Rural Fire Brigade (Te Ihu) with 13 years’ experience.

    A former member of FRFANZ executive, he joined the UFBA Board in 2017 as a Transition Board member and was elected to the UFBA Board in 2022. He chairs the UFBA Audit and Risk Committee.

    Tom was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to manufacturing and the community in 2019 New Years honours.  

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  • Duncan Tabor.jpeg

    Duncan Tabor

    UFBA Board Intern 2024/25

    I am a Senior Firefighter with Wellington Operational Support - I've been volunteering for five years, three with my current brigade and two with Remutaka OSU. In my day job I work as an evacuation consultant - and when I'm not working or volunteering, you'll find me spending time with family, friends, a pet, or studying. 

    I'm excited to learn and grow as a board intern, meet like-minded individuals, and hopefully be the catalyst for some change.

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  • Lesina Walden_President 2025_cropped.png

    Lesina Walden

    President 2025-26 / MAP Representative

    Lesina was elected as Vice President in 2024 and has now moved into the President role for 2025/26. She joined the NZ Fire service in 1985 for the Auckland Fire Police Unit before moving to Rotorua after 16 years to be with family. There, Lesina joined Rotorua Ops Support and was a member for 8 years before transferring to Ngongotaha VFB where she is currently a Senior Firefighter.

    Lesina was also the first woman President of the Auckland Provincial Gold Star Association in 2020 and is currently the Immediate Past President of the Auckland Provincial Fire Brigades Association. Her commitment to members extends through other roles, including Firefighters Welfare Society station representative, UFBA station representative, a peer supporter and pager monitor for Nga Tai Ki Te Puku.

    She is driven by her goal of working for people at the grassroots level. Lesina is dedicated to advocating for and supporting UFBA members, ensuring they receive the care, representation, and resources they need to continue their vital service to communities.

    “I look forward to working with the UFBA Board, executives and staff and having a voice for you, our people” - Lesina

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  • Dale Lindsay_cropped.png

    Dale Lindsay

    Vice President 2025-26 / MAP Representative
    Dale joined the Morrinsville Fire Brigade in 1984 at age 16. His banking career led to transfers to the Tauranga Brigade in 1992 and Whitianga Brigade in 1994. After leaving BNZ in 1997, he moved to the Te Puke Brigade, where he now serves as Chief Fire Officer.  A passionate waterway competitor for 13 years, he later officiated for five years, including refereeing two Auckland Provincial championships. He has held multiple leadership roles across Sub-Associations and the Auckland Provincial, becoming its Patron in 2024. After stepping back to focus on family, he resumed active involvement in Provincial and UFBA affairs once his children were older.
     
    Dale has worked in banking and finance his entire career and established his own mortgage broking business in 2015. He has served as secretary in every brigade he joined and spent 11 years on a Primary School Board, eight as chairperson. With more than 41 years of firefighting service, he is committed to representing UFBA members with pride and diligence. 
     
    Self-employed as a financial adviser, he has the time and dedication the role requires. 
     
    In his rare moments of spare time, he enjoys watersports and kitset modelling – cars and hot rods of course!
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  • Jeff Manson_IPP 2025_cropped.png

    Jeff Manson

    Immediate Past President / MAP Representative

    Jeff is a Senior Firefighter for the Mossburn Volunteer Fire Brigade with 37 years of service. Elected as Vice President in 2023 and now serves as Immediate Past President.

    His journey to the UFBA was through the Otago Southland Provincial Fire Brigades Association, where he is currently the immediate Past President. This is where he found his footing to see how he could really make a difference to helping our members, and what gave him the courage to take the next step to continue helping more people in the sector.

    Jeff is a seasoned UFBA competitor across all our challenges, at all levels and sees these events as a huge platform to connecting with members from far and wide. He is a panel beater/painter by day and loves the outdoor life in the deep heart of southland, with the beautiful Southern Lakes in his backyard.

    Jeff looks forward to working with the UFBA Executive, Board and staff to support their work and bring more strength to our association.

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  • James Walker President 2019-20

    James Walker

    Past President / MAP Representative

    Joining Wyndham Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1983 and from a line of firefighters means firefighting is in James' blood! Formerly President of the Northern Southland Sub Association and then Otago Southland FB Provincial Association gives James plenty of experience in ceremonial roles. James has been Chief Fire Officer at Wyndham for 14 years. A prior attendee of the UFBA Leadership & Governance course, James encourages others to follow their path towards self growth, fulfillment and development.

    Through his role on the Membership Advisory Panel James helps represent members' issues to the Board.

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  • Ces Pacey Challenge Panel Leader 2020

    Ces Pacey

    Challenge Panel Leader

    Ces who is Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Amberley Volunteer Fire Brigade was elected to the Technical Panel in 2016. He has been strongly involved in all four of the UFBA Challenges since he joined the service a little over 25 years ago - as a competitor, coach and an official. A proud moment was receiving his National Waterways Challenge Medal, one he will never forget. The Technical Panel role is one Ces is extremely passionate about. Over the years Ces has been a firefighter, he has got much out of the UFBA Challenges and feels privileged to put something back into the events so competitors can continue to enjoy them. 

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  • Murray Blog_clear cut.png

    Murray Blogg

    Challenge Panel Member

    Murray is currently the Chief Fire Officer of Temuka Volunteer Fire Brigade and has served in the fire service since 1977. Over the years, Murray has enjoyed participating in several challenges, he started off competing in Waterways at age16 and in later years attending as an official mainly in Combat . Murray says he looks forward to the challenge events every year, as it gives our firefighters opportunities to compete in a safe and fun environment, while fostering networking and personal development opportunities through these activities.


    "I would like to encourage all firefighters to participate in any of the events"

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  • Dave Francis_clear cut.png

    Dave Francis

    Challenge Panel Member

    Dave has been a member of the Amberley Volunteer Fire Brigade since 2007 and has a passion for helping members get involved, supporting their development and officiating with his expertise across all suites of UFBA challenges.

    In 2010, Dave began volunteering for UFBA and Provincial challenge events. He quickly built strong relationships with staff and members throughout the country and became a valuable and reliable team member of the UFBA Officials network. 

    Dave has also been a member of the Canterbury Provincial Challenge Panel for more than six years, a role he has really enjoyed, and he now looks forward to enhancing and supporting the UFBA regional and national events as part of the UFBA Challenge Panel.

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  • Bill 2022

    Bill Butzbach

    UFBA CEO

    With a career of more than 40 years spanning senior strategic roles in the NZ Fire Service with firefighting experience in urban, rural, volunteer and career areas, Bill has a unique perspective on the issues facing the services and firefighters—both volunteer and career.

    Bill joined the UFBA Board as an appointed director in 2013 and 2015. After the Government released a Fire Services Review Discussion Document in May 2015, which set out options to review and reform the structure and funding of rural and urban fire services, he helped advocate for UFBA members and produce the UFBA Fire Services Review Submission and the joint UFBA/FRFANZ submission on the Bill.

    Bill helped set important foundations with the Fire and Emergency NZ Transition Project Team on the co-design of a range of better support for all volunteers to recognise, respect and promote their contributions including volunteer engagement, dispute resolution and advocacy and support services. Most recently Bill helped lead the merger with FRFANZ and new constitution for the UFBA. Bill is committed to ensuring the UFBA achieves its strategic goals, meets its vision of safe sustainable communities and continues as a robust, professional and innovative advocacy organisation

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  • Julia 2022

    Julia Costa

    Principal Advisor and Manager Strategic Programmes

    Julia has been with the UFBA since 2016 and is committed to achieving fairness and equity for all firefighters in Aotearoa.  With her background in Business Development, Strategy and Risk Management she leads the strategic programmes for the UFBA and is Principal Advisor to the UFBA Executive Leadership Team.

    Julia is also a graduate of the Venue Management School, Brisbane. With a career in events logistics and management spanning two decades, Julia began with the UFBA delivering highly successful Challenges and Events, working closely with the Challenge Panel and managing the Events Team.

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    Call
    0272043361
  • Stephen 2022

    Stephen Malanchak

    Finance and Membership Services Manager

    Stephen has extensive experience as a finance professional working in the private sector, central and local government and not for profit organisations in a voluntary capacity. Out of work Stephen enjoys spending time with family and friends including riding his mountain bike.

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    Call
    027 339 6227
  • Tayla August

    Tayla August

    Communications Manager

    Tayla brings experience in marketing, social media management and internal communications for a range of companies, including regional communications support for Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Her recent history has been working closely with FENZ volunteers, partners and stakeholders. 

    Based in the Bay of Plenty, Tayla will be travelling around and utilising modern ways of working to enhance and deliver our communications.

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    Call
    027 669 9026
  • Susan 2022

    Susan Passuello

    Board Secretary

    Susan provides support to the UFBA management team, Board and President. Susan brings over 17 years experience as a PA in the finance sector.

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    Call
    04 237 0265
  • Megan Devine Advocacy and Support Advisor 2018

    Megan Devine

    Advocacy & Support Advisor

    With a background as General Manager working with international clients, banks and the private sector, Megan brings a breadth of experiences including in HR and mediation. Megan is also a committed volunteer providing administration support to her local Volunteer Fire Brigade. She has also lead a suicide support group, and is currently studying tikanga Māori as part of her community development-related post-graduate studies. Megan oversees advocacy and support cases and coordinates a team of dedicated support volunteers across NZ.

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    Call
    027 383 8823
  • Lisa 2022

    Lisa Mead

    Senior Events Coordinator

    Lisa had supported the UFBA team in 2019 before formally joining the events team in March 2020. As part of this busy team she brings exceptional customer service experience gained from a diverse range of roles.

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    Call
    027 238 8975
  • Alex Nolan

    Alex Nolan

    Events Coordinator

    Alex joined the UFBA in 2023, and brings a broad spectrum of experience in the event sector. Alex loves all things organisation and admin, and the buzz of being onsite at a busy event.

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    Call
    027 213 4646
  • Makayla

    Makayla Patel

    Events Administrator

    Makayla joined the UFBA in September 2023 and brings experience from a diverse range of roles. Makayla is excited and motivated to step into and grow in the events industry.

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    Call
    027 580 7930
  • Megan L 2022

    Megan Leggett

    Membership and Fire shop Coordinator

    Megan looks after and runs our Fire Shop and reception as well as carrying out general office duties. Make sure you watch the Fire Shop frequently for new items and specials.

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    Call
    04 237 0265
  • Tearo Kelemete

    Tearo Kelemete

    Service Honours Coordinator

    Tearo has been with the UFBA for well over a decade. A familiar voice on the end of the phone and face at Conference, Tearo is the first port of call for those requiring help with arranging service honours awards.

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    Call
    027 290 0167

  • Meg Rodden

    Service Honours Coordinator

    Meg joined the team in March 2020 to support delivery of Service Honours. Meg also coordinates the new Pathways Gateway and Taitamariki programme for youth engagement.

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    Call
    027 214 1678

  • Jane Davie

    Membership Services Advisor

    Jane started with the UFBA in September 2006 and was an operational member and Secretary of Tawa VFB for over 10 years. She remains active in the service as Treasurer of Porirua VFB. She has valuable insight into the functional needs and challenges of fire brigades and members.  Jane is responsible for delivering our training workshops for secretaries and treasurers.  She administers the Benevolent Fund.

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    Call
    0274 428 655

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