Gold Star honour for Kawakawa volunteer firefighter Ellie McClintock

Ellie McClintock was a stalwart of the Kawakawa Volunteer Fire Brigade. Photo / Kawakawa Volunteers Fire Brigade

After 25 years of serving her community, Kawakawa volunteer firefighter Ellie McClintock will be posthumously honoured with a Gold Star Medal next month.

Described as the heartbeat of her brigade, McClintock was just weeks away from receiving her Gold Star, a milestone that would have made her the brigade’s first female recipient.

Her family will now receive the medal on her behalf, after her death.

She was laid to rest at the weekend and her brother Malcolm Robson said receiving the medal was something his sister and the family were looking forward to.

Born and raised in Kaitāia, McClintock built a life grounded in service, both professionally and in her community.

She worked with the Ministry of Social Development, eventually leading services in Kawakawa before working for the Northland Regional Council.

But it was her volunteer work that defined her for many.

Robson said she was a devoted mother and inspired her twin sons to follow her in her footsteps and become firefighters.

“I would say that Ellie was the matriarch of our family. She basically took over the role from our mother. We all will miss her deeply. She was always the go-to person in our family, and she had love for everyone.”

He said his sister was someone who naturally lifted and supported others.

“That’s what drew people to her. She had love for everyone.”

Her death was felt deeply, and firefighters and locals had gathered over the past few days to support the family and remember McClintock.

“The community in Kawakawa here have been very supportive of my sister’s passing. The fire brigade has been constantly supporting us,” Robson said.

Robson said his sister was a strong supporter of her boys and their rugby in the Bay of Islands.

“She was a very loving mum. We come from a big family, six children, including two sets of twins, and Ellie was the youngest. She was always very family-oriented, which I think came from our mum, who was the same.”

“She had a real gift for people. She supported others, showed up for her community, and was always there, especially when her children were growing up. She was involved in all their sports and backed them every step of the way.”

Fire chief Wayne Martin said losing her leaves a big hole in their brigade family.

For a quarter of a century, she was a constant presence at the Kawakawa station, not just as a firefighter, but its backbone.

She served as the fire station’s secretary for many years, keeping the station running. She also represented the brigade at national conferences.

“She wasn’t just a firefighter, she was our biggest supporter, not just for us, but for many brigades throughout Northland. She was loving and cared immensely for her community.”

He said there was a number of milestones over the next month and they were now arranging with the family for the medal ceremony, which McClintock was excited for.

McClintock was laid at her home in Kawakawa before being taken to her marae in Pukepoto, where she was buried in her whānau urupā.