Source: United Fire Brigades’ Association
More than 110 firefighters from across New Zealand will converge on Feilding this week to demonstrate the life-saving skills used to rescue people trapped in some of the country’s most devastating road crashes.
With 2026 already recording 152 fatal road crashes, firefighters continue to be among the first emergency responders arriving at serious crash scenes throughout Aotearoa.
From 11-13 June, competitors will take part in the UFBA Road Crash Rescue Challenge, tackling realistic, high-pressure rescue scenarios designed to mirror the complex incidents they face on New Zealand roads every day.
Vehicles overturned, patients trapped, unstable hazards, limited time and critical injuries – these are the situations firefighters train for, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.
The challenge sees teams working against the clock to safely assess, stabilise and extricate live “patients” from wrecked vehicles using specialist rescue equipment, including the well-known “Jaws of Life”.
While the competition environment is controlled, the skills on display are identical to those used at real crash scenes across New Zealand.
“People often think firefighters fight fires, but today they respond to just as many medical emergencies and road crashes,” said UFBA President, Lesina Walden.
“These rescues demand technical expertise, teamwork, calm decision-making and compassion under immense pressure. This challenge helps ensure our firefighters are ready when New Zealanders need them most.”
The event also offers a rare opportunity for the public to witness the reality of modern firefighting up close, including realistic casualty simulations created by professional moulage artists and demonstrations of cutting-edge rescue technology.
Location: Manfeild Park Stadium, 59 South Street, Feilding Date/Times: Thursday 11 June: 9am to 5pm Friday 12 June: 9am to 5pm Saturday 13 June: 9am to 3pm
– Live rescue challenges and dramatic extraction scenarios
– Firefighters, competitors and officials for interviews
– Behind-the-scenes access to casualty simulation and moulage artists
– Specialist rescue equipment demonstrations, including hydraulic cutting tools
– Content and interviews linked to National Volunteer Week (14-20 June 2026)
The prizegiving will be held on Saturday evening, this is a private function.
About the UFBA – for over 140 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support c.14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops, and service honours.
For more information visit www.ufba.org.nz