Aviation firefighting a job like no other

OUTSTANDING: Newly qualified aviation rescue firefighter Jessica Neho, with her proud parents Daphne and Graeme. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

Kaitaia woman Jessica Neho has beaten considerable odds to qualify for a job with demands that few can meet.

Jessica, daughter of Graeme and Daphne Neho, last month qualified as an aviation rescue firefighter with Auckland Airport Emergency Services.

Originally inspired to pursue a career as an aviation firefighter by a family member who is currently employed by Airservices Australia, Jessica spent seven years working as an international travel consultant in Queensland until an opportunity arose at Auckland airport. She returned to Auckland a week before the selection process began, a process that, thanks to the number of applicants, took some three weeks to complete, during which time the candidates underwent a series of physical and mental tests.

The news that she had made the grade, along with four men, was followed by an intense 13-week course, and on September 24 her parents and other family members travelled to Auckland for her graduation, where special mention was made by a senior staff member of her being the only female recruit in 18 years.

Her determination to succeed were described as outstanding.

Jessica attributed her success in life to her family and her education at Oturu Primary, Kaitaia Intermediate and Kaitaia College. She also proudly spoke of her ancestry, and her links with all five tribes of Muriwhenua.

"Being an aviation rescue firefighter is a job like no other I've done before," she said.

"The camaraderie, flexible working hours, opportunity to learn a wide variety of skills and the sense of helping people makes the job so unique. Every day is different; you know what to expect, but you don't know if or when it's going to happen. That makes the job exciting."