Pride of NZ: Firefighter steps up to help raise millions

Tony Scott (right) is joined by international firemen Steve Axup (left) and Kent Bastrom for last year's Sky Tower Stair Challenge. Photo/File

The Northern Advocate is getting behind a project to find deserving heroes in our community and we want you to submit your nominations now.

We're looking for those everyday Kiwis who selflessly strive to make New Zealand an even better place to live. They'll be celebrated as part of the nationwide Pride of New Zealand Awards, which will recognise leaders, campaigners, volunteers, teachers, caregivers and other unsung heroes who have done something extraordinary in their community. The award is supported by the Northern Advocate with sponsors The New Zealand Herald, radio station The Hits, and TSB Bank.

Categories will be judged by prominent Kiwis and our readers will also get to have a say through the TSB Bank's People's Choice Award. Regional winners will be named in August and national winners will be announced in September.

-For more information and to submit your nominations, visit the Pride of New Zealand website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.

Fundraiser of the Year category: Tony Scott

Firefighter Tony "Scottie" Scott likes to keep himself busy, especially if it's for a good cause.

The 43-year-old, who lives in the Far North, has been a member of the Auckland Airport Rescue Fire Service for the past 22 years.

During that time he has become known as one of the Fire Service's most dedicated event organisers and can often be found volunteering at various functions or fundraising events throughout the year.

But he is most well known as being the key driver behind the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

Mr Scott first pitched the idea to Sky Tower officials almost 10 years ago. In 2005, dozens of firefighters raced up the 1103 stairs and reeled in a smooth $17,500 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The challenge is now so popular that the number of firefighters participating has to be capped.

This year more than 700 firefighters from around the country took to the stairs and raised more than $800,000 for the foundation.

Mr Scott, who hopes to get $1 million next time, said such events help them to give back to the public in a different way.

"It's just the fact that we can give back to the community. That's what it's all about for us.

"It's benefiting people in the whole of New Zealand, not just Auckland-based groups, and that's something we really like too."

Mr Scott and his family, partner Heather and children Charlotte, 16, and Harry, 12, live in Pakaraka in Northland. He spends half his week in Auckland for his job.