Gaining a community by giving back
Chief Dear of the Himatangi Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade, has dedicated 42 years to the service. Through his service he has helped to create a sense of community both at the Beach and within the brigade. The values he holds has been shared with others including Al Rico, originally from the Philippines and Liz Mariela Villanueva Paipay from Peru who have also joined the brigade.
When someone is asked why they like where they live, the answer is often the community. But what makes a community? Or rather who makes it?
The answer is more often not because of the people - like Himatangi Beach’s Volunteer Fire Chief, Wayne Dear. Born and raised in Himatangi, he has dedicated 42 years to the service. Asked about his dedication to his hometown, Chief Dear says it’s all about the connections. The people in Himatangi Beach have always made him feel welcome and there’s a sense of satisfaction in giving back which extends to neighbouring brigades and that of the wider Fire Emergency New Zealand community.
Chief Dear is proud to be a firefighter and uphold the standards of one New Zealand’s most trusted organisations. It’s these standards he expects everyone in his brigade to live up to, which is why every new recruit is put on a probation period of 12 training sessions to test not only on their skills, but team fit. It’s a dangerous vocation and everyone in the brigade needs to know they can depend and rely on each other. According to Chief Dear, “recruits need to show dedication to the cause, to each other and to being pillars of the community”.
With this level of devotion, it’s no surprise that the brigade has become a second family, but at Himatangi Beach, the brigade is truly a family calling. Chief Dear first joined the service because of his brothers, and now both of his sons have followed in his boots and joined the brigade. They are not the only ones with a family connection. There is also Al Rico and Liz Mariella Villanueva Paipay.
Al Rico emigrated from the Philippines ten years ago to provide a better life for his family. A recent change in immigration law enabled Rico’s wife and three children to apply for Residency Visas and finally reunite. After only 11 months of living at Himatangi Beach, Rico’s 18-year-old daughter Angela has also joined the brigade to give back.
Then there is Liz Mariela Villanueva Paipay who emigrated from Peru in 2019. With almost 10 years’ experience working in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, becoming a firefighter was a long-held dream that wasn’t achievable for either Rico or Paipay in their native countries
The overarching goal of the Welcoming Communities Programme’s is to unite communities while celebrating the defining traits that make us unique. It’s a good reminder that no matter what country we’re from, we can have hopes and dreams in common – and yet the things we miss the most can also be similar.
Angela Rico and Liz Paipay both miss the late night culture. Paipay says the streets in Peru would be crowded with people even at 10pm. And of course, the food. Both ladies miss easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Paipay in particular wonders where all the potatoes are?! Growing up she was used to the local markets having about ten different varieties!
The main thing that the three recruits and Chief Dear agree on, is that Himatangi Beach is a pretty great place to live and the brigade is a great connection to the community.
Are you new to a community in the Manawatū? While joining a Fire Bridgade might not be everyone’s dream, communities are filled with programmes and residents that are happy to welcome new members. It’s important to embrace your community with passion and courage to find your fit in the Manawatū.