Brian’s fire truck fun

Two generous Marlburians have returned from their first spectacular tour after local charity efforts convinced them to buy a fire truck.

William Woodworth

The newly reskinned Brian FM fire truck, manned by Blenheim couple Andrew and Vicky Jefferies, attended the Kiwi Kids Charity’s Southern Mini Roadie.

The Roadie visited four primary schools across Southland, donating a combined $13,000 to Bluff, Takitimu, Te Tipua and Hedgehope Schools – but Vicky says getting involved was a spur of the moment decision.

“We were leaving the Fancy Cow after the final dinner for the Top of the South Roadie in March, which saw $50,000 donated, and I said, “that looks like fun”, while Andrew was already on TradeMe looking for fire trucks”, said Vicky.

“Kiwi Kids Charity does reconnaissance on schools beforehand, who give us a wish list where we can help.

“This trip, we paid for Te Tipua’s 40 kids to all go on camp free of charge and supplied Bluff with wet weather indoor entertainment equipment.

“But going into schools and seeing the kids’ reactions, singing our waiata and having them do their school haka in response was just so moving.”

While seeing happy students made it all worthwhile, Andrew says it was a quick turnaround to get on the road with navigating the many Southland gravel backroads being an adventure in itself.

“We got the retired engine from Middlemarch about 10 weeks ago, and it was in fantastic condition, so we got our Class Two truck licenses expedited over four days”, he says.

“By policy, organisers give us a route pack with old style directions and maps, so the destinations were just as much of a surprise for us.

“Vicky did probably 80 percent of the driving, so I’ve learned my navigating could do with some work.

“But plain old fun is the goal - Bluff School had all 120 kids and teachers doing mudslides, wandering around wet in shorts and gumboots while we’re all wrapped up.”

With the Brian FM Fire Truck getting a facelift thanks to Wadsco Trucks, HR Engineering, Tira Crown, Signs Now Picton and ITM, Andrew says “It’s a real Marlborough community effort in making the old beast brand new”.

And while the truck will be embarking on plenty more Kiwi Kids Charity roadies, Andrew says they want to use it to bring as much local good as possible.

“It was a great reminder of small-town New Zealand. We loved the focus on rural and underserved schools, bringing them excitement. I think the 2026 main Roadie is planned for Golden Bay, but we’re eager to use it as much as possible locally”.

Contact [email protected] to enquire about a fire truck visit.