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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.

  • Dave McFarlane

    Dave McFarlane

    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. 

    Dave was made Patron in February 2022, and is a former President of the UFBA, holding this position in 2004. Coming from an extensive background in fi re services, Dave was a member of the Renwick Volunteer Fire Brigade for 39 years and Chief Fire Officer for nine of those years. Prior to this, from 1974, and for 18 years, Dave was with the Defence Fire Service Royal New Zealand Air Force, Woodbourne, holding many leadership roles including Principal Rural Fire Officer for the District. He then went on to serve six years with the New Zealand Fire Service Commission, including being Deputy Chair of the Commission from 2012 to 2015. Dave’s day job is site manager for NZ Defence Estate and Infrastructure at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne. Dave is also a Justice of the Peace and holds an esteemed Queen’s Service Medal. We are confi dent Dave’s experience and background is well suited to hold this esteemed position.

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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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  • Howard Cole

    Howard Cole

    Board Director - Elected

    Howard was appointed Director UFBA board in October 2022. Howard has a wealth of experience from time as a Former Executive Committee member of the Forest and Rural Fire Association NZ (FRFANZ) with over 33 year’s experience as a Fire Officer. Howard is the Chief Fire Officer, a role which he has held for 26 years and a founding member of Waikato’s Maramarua Volunteer Fire Brigade.

    Howard began farming in 1984, he has a strong knowledge for practical farming initiatives and continues to manage multiple farms within the Maramarua region. Howard was awarded the Queens Service Medal in 2018 for his service to the community.

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  • Tom Thomson

    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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  • 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.jpg

    Kaye Ahsam

    UFBA Board Intern 2024/25

    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

    I have done 15 years of service as a volunteer and currently, I work for FENZ as the Advisor for the National Women’s Development team. My previous career experience is in the equestrian industry and as a business owner. 

    I am looking forward to learning more about how the UFBA functions and how I can add value to the board to strengthen the position of the members.

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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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  • Jeff2024_edit_crop.png

    Jeff Manson

    President 2024-25 / 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 has now moved into the President role for 2024/25.

    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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  • Lesina2024_edit_crop.png

    Lesina Walden

    Vice President 2024-25 / MAP Representative

    Lesina 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, she 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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  • Warren2024_edit_crop.png

    Warren Maslin

    Immediate Past President / MAP Representative

    Warren was elected to the Board in 2017 and re-elected in 2019. His term ended in 2022, when he was then nominated as the UFBA Vice President and moved into the President role in 2023.

    Warren is a Senior Firefighter from Ashburton Volunteer Fire brigade with 15 years’ experience as a volunteer achieved in Akaroa which he joined in 2001 when he was the Bank Manager in the town, followed by a move to Kaikoura brigade in 2003 before settling in Ashburton in 2005. He has been a competitor/official in many of our Challenges at regional and national levels and wants to give back to other brigades.

    Warren also served as President of the Canterbury Provincial Fire Brigades’ Association, is a change support champion and a Fire and Emergency NZ volunteer working group member. He is an Asset Finance specialist and has completed 30 years in banking with commercial lending, facilitation, negotiation and people management skills acquired in many different roles over the years with BNZ.

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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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  • Scott Allan Challenge Panel Member 2020

    Scott Allan

    Challenge Panel Member

    Scott has seen the challenge events from all perspectives - as a competitor, an official and as convenor of the Otago Southland Sub Association Technical Panel. With brigade experience stretching over an impressive 33 years, currently at Bluff, Scott joins the UFBA Technical Panel in 2018.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • David 2022

    David Lattimore

    Regional Advocate

    Coming from a long line of firefighters, David has been a volunteer for 44 years starting with Devonport, East Coast Bays composite brigades and is currently the SSO for the Silverdale brigade. As a Past President and Life Honourary Member of the Auckland Provincial and Sub Associations, David knows all too well the value and strength associations bring in supporting essential connections between brigades. As a former executive and delegate for E tū, New Zealand’s biggest private sector union, he brings a wealth of advocacy experience, representing for fairness and rights. As Flight Services Manager for Air New Zealand David held positions as a H&S advisor, Cabin Safety Accident Investigator, Emergency Procedures and Human Factors Trainer, and health and safety and accident prevention remains a subject of keen interest. 

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  • Megan L 2022

    Megan Leggett

    Reception & Fire Shop Admin

    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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  • 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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  • Jane Davie

    Membership Support Coordinator

    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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  • Meg Rodden

    Service Honours and Pathways 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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