For the second year in the running, Paihia's volunteer firefighters were the top fundraisers in a race to the top of Auckland's Sky Tower.
Led by deputy chief Rex Wilson, the team collected $15,052 of the total $50,000 raised for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation on May 12.
This year the Sky
Tower Vertical Challenge saw 155 firefighters climb the 1029 stairs between the ground floor and the main observation deck on the 51st floor, wearing full level-two protective gear plus breathing apparatus, moving as fast as humanly possible.
There was also the gruelling 10,000 stair challenge, a team race from the ground floor to the 60th floor and back - 1081 stairs each way.
Paihia, along with six other teams, took up the challenge and Mr Wilson and fire fighters Hughie Blues and Wayne Flood not only completed the challenge with time to spare, they pipped their nearest rivals by 30 seconds.
Mr Blues said the crew knew what to expect, after competing last year and spending six months training for the event.
"For a little town with not too many stairs to train on, I think it's outstanding and is a true showing of the Northland spirit," he said.
Last year, the Paihia brigade raised $17,286 of the $27,000 raised in total.
Fundraising activities this year included a wildlife hunting competition, sausage sizzles, public events and fundraising evenings.
