Queenstown’s fire brigade ‘zips’ in full gear for Ziptober

September 27 2018

Frontline members of the resort towns volunteer fire brigade swapped hoses for ziplines this week in celebration of a new fundraising initiative.

Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade has been named the lucky recipients of Ziptrek Ecotours’ annual locals’ fundraiser, which for the first time in nine years will be a fundraising month.

Queenstowners can ‘zip’ high above the treetops throughout ‘Ziptober’ (October 1 to 31), enjoying $50 trips on the Kea 6-line, Moa 4-line and Keraru tours with 50% of proceeds going to the fire service.

After coming runners-up in last year’s community online poll, Ziptrek Ecotours director Trent Yeo said choosing the fire brigade as this year’s local community cause was a “no-brainer”.

“It was exciting to watch the support for the firefighters in last year’s online poll between winning cause Branches Charitable Trust and Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue,” says Trent.

“The volunteer fire brigade works tirelessly to keep our local community safe, so it was only right to show our support for the great work they do.

“Seeing the firefighters zipping through the forest in full uniform at speeds of 70kph was priceless.

“Now we’d love to see their supporters out in force during ‘Ziptober’ for a record-breaking month in aid of a good cause.”

Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade has on average 75 volunteers in Queenstown and Frankton responding to over 400 call-outs per year.

Fire Brigade Chief Andrew Barry said his team is “absolutely wrapped” to be the lucky cause for 2018.

“Zipping through the trees was a nice change of scenery from the station but was somewhat challenging in our full kit,” says Andrew.

“It’s a great feeling when our community gets behind the volunteer brigade and I can’t express how grateful we are.

“Community donations will often go towards providing experiential training to our volunteers or buying specialised equipment.

“The Ziptober funds will hopefully go towards sending some of the crew to Auckland to experience real ‘hot fire’ training, the closest thing to a real fire situation.

“It’s invaluable training that’s only made possible with help from our community.”

Ziptrek has raised a total of $65K to date supporting local groups including Lakes Family Centre, Youth Booth, Wakatipu Search & Rescue, Kiwi Birdlife Park, St Johns Ambulance, Queenstown Scouts and Wakatipu Reforestation Trust, and most recently Branches Charitable Trust.

Zipliners will need to show proof of residency from the Southern Lakes or Cromwell regions on arrival and bookings can be made online using a ‘ZIPLOCAL18’ promo code or by calling 03 441 2102.

Watch Queenstown Volunteer Fire Brigade ziplining in full uniform here.

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