Volunteer Fire Brigade of the Year 2026

As part of International Volunteer Year 2026, the United Fire Brigades' Association (UFBA) is inviting New Zealanders to nominate their local volunteer fire brigade for Brigade of the Year.

Volunteer fire brigades are at the heart of communities across Aotearoa.

Not only do they respond when emergencies happen, they are also part of the fabric of your community - no matter the size. They turn out when you need them the most during floods, medical events, motor vehicle accidents and fires. They also support community events, check on neighbours, school education, provide fire safety prevention advice, to name a few.

Volunteer brigades are there on your worst day. So, let's show them how much they mean to you!

Tell us why your brigade deserves to be recognised.

We're looking for stories that showcase the incredible impact volunteer brigades have on their communities.

Whether it's a crew that always goes above and beyond, a brigade that supports local schools and events, or a team that embodies community spirit, we want to hear about them.

The campaign is about the quality and impact of the stories shared, rather than being a popularity contest. From the smallest brigade of three members to the largest brigade of 50+ members, they will all have the same chance.

Story Examples

The brigade turned up when I had a flooded bathroom to suck up the excess moisture.
A firefighter sat with me after an accident to support me until my partner arrived.
Someone from the brigade brought me a blanket and slippers after my house fire.
The brigade came and visited me in hospital to check if I was OK after my accident.
The brigade came to my kids' school for a fire safety talk and now my daughter wants to be a firefighter.
The brigade came to our school fair with their fire truck and helped us raise funds to fix the playground.

How to Nominate

Complete the online nomination form and tell us:

Which brigade you are nominating
Why they are important to you or your community
What makes them stand out
Any examples of their impact

You can also upload photos or videos to support your nomination.

Prize

Along with national recognition as part of International Volunteer Year 2026, the winning brigades (categories for small, medium and large brigades) will receive a trophy and grocery or petrol vouchers to help support the brigade and its members.