It has taken 142 years but the United Fire Brigades Association (UFBA) has put a woman into top spot, and the new president is Alexandra’s Amber Hollis.

She made what she thought was a passing comment to the past president that one day she would like to stand in his shoes.

Two years later, Amber is doing just that and occasionally catches herself thinking “what the heck have I done”. 

“[But] seriously I love it, the people, and helping our own fire fighting family,” Amber said.

She donned the president’s chains earlier this month after being vice president for the past year.

“I’ve never been one for jewellery… and they are heavy,” Amber said.

The role is largely ceremonial and responsible for presenting honours and service awards, being on the board of the benevolent fund and responsible for selecting people for Fire and Emergency services (FENZ) working groups.

As well as being a firefighter, Amber is an air support supervisor and region trainer for FENZ.

“It’s going to be a busy year. I think I’ve got two weekends off until July.”

Much of what she does - training other volunteer firefighters during weekends and evenings - involves travel across New Zealand. 

“As a volunteer [initially] 14 years ago I never thought I could work for this organisation and go out to work and train other volunteers… I’ve turned a hobby into a career.”

Her partner who lives in Havelock North and her broader whānau are “super proud” of her and how she’s handling new position.

She acknowledged getting more women to be firefighters is going to take time.

“It’s going to take years to break down… lets just get on with it.” 

UFBA board chair Peter Dunne said he was proud to be part of this historic moment for the UFBA and a turning point in fire services history.

During Amber’s year as president she plans to focus on connection and engagement; with FENZ, UFBA, provincial teams and firefighters.

The close connections of firefighters have been damaged due to the Covid-19 pandemic but she wants to bring people together again.

“If you need help, reach out,” Amber said.

Amber started her volunteer firefighting in 2008 with the Lake Hāwea Volunteer Fire Brigade.

She became involved in the Central Otago Fire Brigades Sub Association where she was President from 2019-2021. Another recent leadership role was as the President of Otago Southland Provincial Fire Brigades Association in 2021.

Currently a crew leader and one of the four women in the Dunstan Volunteer Fire Brigade, Amber was the first female firefighter to get to the rank of station officer with the Arrowtown brigade. 

The new fire station build for the Dunstan Rural crew is underway on Centennial Ave (next door to the Alexandra Fire Station). It should be finished in February 2023. 

The United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) is the largest fire and emergency association representing 14,000 members – including paid and volunteer firefighters.