UFBA Firefighter Drivers Challenge

The United Fire Brigades' Association (UFBA) is NZ's oldest association and not for profit supporting the interests of firefighters of all kinds across New Zealand. We run fun events that challenge and test the unsung community heroes and emergency first responders that work tirelessly to keep you and your property safe.

The Drivers Challenge is a fantastic annual event to test fire appliance (or fire trucks to the layman) drivers skills in a competitive environment, have some fun and meet other brigades and firefighters.

It's made up of a theory test and 11 individual exercises, in which drivers are judged on overall ability, efficiency, aptitude and smoothness of operation of fire appliances.

The exercises are designed to align with the New Zealand Fire Service skills manual and include bay and parallel parking, straight-line driving, lane changes, braking, estimating clearance, and negotiating serpentine and shrinking chicanes. This event also helps with re-validation for brigade drivers completing Emergency Response Driver certificates.

Spectators are welcome to come along and gain insight into the world of firefighters. Understand and appreciate the incredible skill it takes to control and manoeuvre a 12-ton fire truck with precision and patience!

Please note - due to strict policies and timings this competition does not allow for public to ride in the fire trucks. Please enjoy safely from a distance in the designated viewing areas only.