Former Black Fern Becky Wood Shines in Firefighter Calendar

A former player for the Black Ferns, Becky Wood, has been selected to grace the cover of New Zealand’s inaugural all-female firefighter calendar. Currently a professional firefighter based in Takapuna, Wood grew up in Warkworth before embarking on her firefighting career. She is one of thirteen women, representing nine fire stations across the country, to participate in the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar, which aims to highlight the strength and femininity of women in uniform.

Celebrating Strength and Community

The calendar, priced at $20, is designed to celebrate the resilience and pride of female firefighters. All proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Care, supporting vital initiatives for those affected by the disease. The women involved in this project emphasize the importance of showcasing their identities as both firefighters and women, breaking traditional stereotypes.

Wood’s journey to the cover of this calendar is marked by her dedication to the fire service and her previous achievements in rugby. As a lock for the Black Ferns, she exemplifies the athleticism and determination that characterize both her sporting and firefighting careers. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the diverse paths women can take in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Supporting Important Causes

In addition to the Wāhine Toa calendar, the more traditional male firefighter calendar is making a return, this time focused on raising funds for the men’s mental health movement, Movember. The dual efforts of both calendars highlight the commitment of firefighters in New Zealand to support health initiatives while celebrating their roles in the community.

Those interested in supporting these causes can purchase the calendars online. The female firefighters’ calendar can be found at Breast Cancer Care, while the male firefighters’ calendar is available at Kiwifirefighters Calendar.

Through projects like the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar, Wood and her colleagues are not only raising funds for important causes but also redefining what it means to be a firefighter in New Zealand today. Their efforts reflect a growing recognition of the vital contributions women make in this field and the broader community.