AA Insurance backs national firefighter challenge highlighting readiness under pressure
The United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) National Firefighter Challenge Championship on Wellington’s waterfront has brought together more than 160 firefighters from across Aotearoa, offering the public a closer look at the skills and coordination behind emergency response.
AA Insurance supported the UFBA Firefighter Challenge National Championship, which saw male and female volunteer, career, airport and defence force firefighters compete on a standardised course designed around the tasks they train for as part of emergency response work.
The event showcased how responders prepare to operate safely and effectively in complex situations, from working as a team under time pressure to handling specialist equipment in controlled conditions.
AA Insurance Chief Operating Officer Simon Hobbs said the challenge helps build understanding of what happens before and during an emergency response.
“As an insurer, we see what communities are dealing with after fires, floods and major incidents, events like this help show the preparation and coordination that takes place before help arrives, and why readiness matters for how well communities recover afterwards.”
Many of the firefighters competing are volunteers who live and work in the communities they serve, giving their time to training and response alongside their everyday lives.
Bill Butzbach, Chief Executive of the United Fire Brigades’ Association, said the event provides an opportunity to show the public how firefighters train across roles and services and celebrate their commitment to keeping their communities safe.
“This challenge gives people the insight into the diverse range of firefighters in Aotearoa, while demonstrating the quality of skills they all have to respond safely and consistently. Our firefighters are highly skilled, dedicated and committed to their communities, no matter what.” said Bill.
The UFBA Firefighter Challenge Championship Series is part of an international series, with the New Zealand event also acting as a pathway to overseas competition.
AA Insurance’s support reflects the insurer’s focus on risk awareness, preparedness and community resilience.
About AA Insurance
AA Insurance is a New Zealand-based joint venture between Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited and the New Zealand Automobile Association Limited ('NZAA'). Vero is owned by Suncorp Group Limited, a listed Australian company. NZAA is an incorporated society that is governed by a National Council and Board. Since 1994 we have provided home, contents and car insurance in New Zealand and in 2018 we introduced small business insurance.
We underwrite our own policies and sell direct to New Zealanders. Our New Zealand-based teams looks after 560,000+ customers with more than 1,100,000 policies. S&P Global Ratings has given us an Insurer Financial Strength Rating of AA- (Very Strong).
We are consistently recognised in industry awards and honours, including being voted the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted General Insurer for 16 years running (since 2011) and named Canstar's 2024-2025 Outstanding Value Car Insurance winner. We have also been recognised in the Kantar Customer Leadership Index (since 2019) and the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index (since 2015) currently ranked 6th amongst 100 of New Zealand’s most successful companies.
Find out more at www.aainsurance.co.nz
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