Porirua firefighters were among more than 1,000 participants in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge held in Auckland on Saturday, 24 May 2025. Wearing full firefighting gear, they climbed 1,103 steps of the Sky Tower to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).
The challenge was especially meaningful for team captain Melissa Evans-Scott, whose sister died of blood cancer in 2018.
“This was the first time I was climbing at an age she never got to make, so it was a special one for me,” Evans-Scott said. “Our team did a fantastic job raising $11,622 for LBC. I can’t wait to climb again next time with this great bunch of Porirua firefighters.”
All members of the Porirua crew reached the top in under 30 minutes, with several recording personal bests. Craig Robertson, who set a new record for himself, reflected on the experience.
“One step after the other, 1103 times, accompanied by the sound of heavy mechanical breathing,” he said. “I particularly enjoyed the kids lined up for high fives near the start!”
The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is an annual fundraiser that sees firefighters from around the country scaling 51 floors of the Sky Tower to support the approximately eight New Zealanders diagnosed with blood cancer each day.
“The effort it takes to fundraise, then climb the Sky Tower, is nothing compared to what the patients we fundraise for have to go through on their journey,” said firefighter Scottie, capturing the spirit behind the event.
This year’s challenge raised more than $1.9 million for LBC, helping fund patient services, advocacy, and research for those affected by blood cancers across the country.
To support this cause follow: https://www.facebook.com/LBCNZ