A year on: remembering Muriwai’s brave firefighters

Fire and Emergency New Zealand marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic loss of Muriwai Volunteer Firefighters, Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg, who died in the line of duty during ex-tropical Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.

The ceremony, held on 13 February 2024, brought together the whānau and friends of the fallen heroes, the Muriwai Brigade, other emergency responders, and the Muriwai community.

Memorial unveiled in honour of fallen firefighters

A memorial, featuring a plaque and two handmade seats facing the ocean and a BMX bike track, was unveiled across from the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Station.

These seats represent the passions of Dave, a surfing enthusiast, and Craig, who contributed to constructing the local BMX track.

Kerry Gregory, Fire and Emergency Chief Executive, expressed the significance of the memorial, stating: “The memory of Craig and Dave lives on with their loved ones and their brigade and with this memorial they have a permanent place within the community they served.”

Nationwide tribute to Muriwai’s heroes

In a nationwide gesture of solidarity and remembrance, Fire and Emergency stations across the motu flew their flags at half-mast and observed a moment of reflection to honour the sacrifice of their fellow firefighters.

IFSJ Comment

The unveiling of a memorial in Muriwai serves as a tribute to their bravery and a reminder of the community’s resilience and the unbreakable bond between emergency services and the people they serve.

This event, marked by both personal and collective acts of remembrance, highlights the profound impact of such losses on families, colleagues, and communities.

It also reaffirms the importance of support systems and memorials in healing and honouring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.