They're more comfortable in emergency situations than rattling fundraising tins, so Lake Okareka's rural firefighters are relieved their massive fundraising effort is over.
After a 12-month effort, which saw them raise more than $360,000, they're now the proud owners of a new state-of-the-art truck which is the first of its type in New Zealand.
It's a far cry from the series of old secondhand trucks they've had to use in the past 30 years. It also comes with equipment over and above requirements, which means they're now better prepared than ever to help out in emergencies.
They've had the truck for about three months, and Lake Okareka Volunteer Rural Fire Force chief fire officer Phil Muldoon said it had made a massive difference.
The force received $60,000 from the Rotorua District Council and National Rural Fire Authority and raised $10,000 themselves. The remaining $233,000 came from various charitable trusts.