Bream Bay news: Local firefighters to tackle 1103 steps of Auckland's Sky Tower this weekend

Waipu firefighter Lyndie Mullins is all set to climb Auckland's Sky Tower on Saturday.

Thirteen Bream Bay firefighters will climb the 1103 steps of Auckland's Sky Tower this weekend, ascending 51 flights of stairs in full firefighting gear to both challenge themselves and raise money for the New Zealand Leukaemia and Blood Foundation.

The Sky Tower climb began in 2005 and raises around $1 million for the foundation each year. This year 950 firefighters from around the country are making the climb.

Waipu volunteer firefighter Lyndie Mullins, tackling the climb for the third time, has exceeded her $1000 fundraising target – on Tuesday her total stood at $2500 thanks in part to a novel fundraiser, auctioning a two-night stay at a Waipu riverfront property.

Six firefighters from the Marsden 22 Refining NZ fire brigade – Paul Austin, Jonathon Hoori, Russell Gavin, Andrew Hughes, Isaac O'Grady and Kaden Hunter - will make the climb on Saturday.

Their fundraising target is $7000 which they have worked towards with raffles, barbecues, a car wash and road block at the refinery. The team planned a final training run up Mt Parihaka before the big day.

Ruakaka Volunteer Fire Brigade also has six firefighters climbing the tower, with new recruit Jason Tanner giving it a go for the first time. The others are chief fire officer Darrell Trigg, Oscar Channings, Dylan Api, Renee Gatehouse and Dan Smith.

"There's a few others keen so we'll have a few more next year," said Trigg. "The more the merrier – it's all for a good cause."

The Ruakaka team is well on track to raise $5000 through a combination of bucket shaking in various locations plus individual donations.

You can still donate to an individual firefighter or team – visit www.firefightersclimb.org.nz, click "donate" and choose an individual or team to support.

Art 'N' Tartan tickets on sale soon
It's almost time to snap up some tickets for that annual Waipu calendar highlight, the Art 'N' Tartan wearable arts show and competition.

Tickets go on sale next Monday and will be available at Waipu Museum or online from Eventfinda.

Although the event is now held in the Celtic Barn with a capacity of up to 600 people, tickets always sell fast, especially for the awards night show. This year's opening night show is 8pm on July 20 and tickets cost $55, followed by Saturday's matinee show ($45) and awards night show ($55). Students up to 18 years are $20.

Organisers say the show is unsuitable for children under 5 years. A cash bar is available, and the ticket price includes nibbles during interval and afternoon tea during the matinee show.

Tee off for charity
Marsden Lions Club's annual fundraising golf tournament is at the Waipu Golf course on May 25.

The tournament raises thousands of dollars for local charities – this year's recipients are North Haven Hospice, Northland Rescue Helicopter, Ruakaka Surf Patrol, St John Bream Bay and Ruakaka Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Have a fun day out on the golf course for a worthy cause – bring a whole team along or enter as an individual to join a composite team.

Entry fees are $75 per person which includes a catered meal at the Waipu Golf Club. To keep golfers' energy levels up, there is a barbecue and drinks stop after the ninth hole.

Prizegiving is at the clubrooms - every competitor takes home a prize, and you can also score bargains at the raffles and fundraising auction.

To enter, email marsdenlionscharitygolf@gmail.com and ask for their entry form.

■ Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with Northern Advocate readers.