Pride of NZ: Tony always finds time to help others

Tony King

As a volunteer firefighter, former radio DJ and all-round handyman, it is no surprise Northland's Tony King (pictured) struggled to list what he did in his spare time. That is because Mr King, 54, spends so much time volunteering his services that his spare time is relatively non-existent. Not to mention he is a full-time dairy farmer.

Mr King of Ruawai has been nominated for the Community Spirit award in this year's Pride of New Zealand Awards.

"You're kidding me," he said, when he learned about the nomination. "I'm a bit stunned, to be quite honest."

Mr King has been a volunteer firefighter for almost 26 years and drives the fire truck at every Ruawai Christmas Parade.

While part of the reason he enjoys firefighting so much is the camaraderie, the other part is feeling he is making a difference. Mr King was quick to point out he was not the only one who helped out in the close-knit community.

"There seems to be no real lack of community spirit," he said. "It's just the things people do in the small town."

These things include being the local handyman, it appears.

"There was one lady whose house needed some work and she had very little income," Mr King said. By some work he meant a complete renovation of her bathroom, among other things.

He has also helped renovate the local community hall and the fire appliance building.

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Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
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