Muriwai firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens honoured at ceremony a year after their deaths in Cyclone Gabrielle

A service to remember two volunteer firefighters killed during Cyclone Gabrielle a year ago today has begun this morning.

The Fire and Emergency anniversary function is taking place at Muriwai Fire Station, close to where brigade members Dave van Zwanenberg and Craig Stevens died when a landslide struck the Motutara Rd house they were trying to build a trench behind as the full force of the cyclone thrashed West Auckland beach communities.

Stevens was rescued and taken to hospital where he died. Van Zwanenberg’s body was recovered two days later.

Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara welcomed the 150 at the event with karanga and karakia before Fire and Emergency deputy chief executive - Tumu Whakarae Tuarua Piki Thomas replied.

Amy Van Zwanenberg (centre) and Lucy Stevens (right) attend the ceremony to remember the Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighters Craig Stevens and Dave Van Zwanenberg killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Michael Craig

In sunny, breezy weather overlooking the Tasman Sea, below a New Zealand flag at half mast and accompanied by a chorus of cicada calls, people gathered to hear from the married fathers’ widows, their local fire chief Andy Callaghan, and national chief executive Kerry Gregory, and to formally unveil a plaque and seating area to remember the men.

The wife of one of the two firefighters killed during the cyclone said she has finally accepted nothing could have been done to save her husband.

Muriwai firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg (left) and Craig Stevens (right) both died in a landslide while helping at a damaged house in Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dave van Zwanenberg’s wife Amy spoke about the heartbreak she feels knowing the pair’s young children, George and Zara, did not get enough time with their dad.

“But I will make sure they know what an incredibly caring and capable man he was and how devoted he was to them,” van Zwanenberg said.

As she discussed the grief she felt for the past year, van Zwanenberg said she has finally come to terms that there was nothing that could’ve saved her husband.

Dave and Amy van Zwanenberg on their wedding day. She said she has been dealing with "horrific memories and trauma" since his death one year ago today during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“But as I didn’t learn for some time that no one and nothing could have saved Dave, knowing in my heart that you did everything you could, for as long as you could, meant the world and still does,” van Zwanenberg said.

The wife of Craig Stevens, Lucy, was given a special mention in the emotional speech.

“To have a friend to walk this road with is a burden you would never wish upon anyone but a blessing to have,” van Zwanenberg said.

“Craig would be, as always, in awe of you.”

Firefighters Dave van Zwanenberg (left) and Craig Stevens, who died after getting trapped in a slip in Auckland's Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle in February, 2023.

Van Zwanenberg also mentioned those who endured the “harrowing” conditions one year ago today, along with the Muriwai community.

“I have seen humanity at its best, a privilege that has dovetailed alongside the grief,” van Zwanenberg said.

Amy van Zwanenberg speaks at a ceremony to remember her husband Dave van Zwanenberg, a Muriwai volunteer firefighter killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Michael Craig

Van Zwanenberg finished her speech by speaking about the memorial.

“This beautiful seat area is, I think, literally made with the blood, sweat and tears of the Muriwai Brigade in particular,” van Zwanenberg said.

“So, while grief is love with nowhere to go, we now have an incredible place to sit, think, remember and appreciate those we love.”

Lucy Stevens said the last thing she told her husband on the night the cyclone hit was that she loved him.

He had returned home from helping clear downed trees in Muriwai to check on his family before leaving again to help dig a trench at a property at risk of a slip.

Lucy Stevens speaks at a ceremony to remember her husband Craig Stevens, a Muriwai volunteer firefighter killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Michael Craig

“Craig, I do not have the words to express how deeply you’re missed,” Stevens said.

The family have not been able to return to their home since the cyclone, which has added to their grief, Stevens said.

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Firefighter David van Zwanenberg was killed by a slip in Muriwai during Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Dean Purcell

Fenz chief executive Kerry Gregory spoke about the ongoing grief experienced by the community.

“Sometimes you wake up and feel like you’re experiencing the loss all over again.

“How do you hold onto these memories as time goes on? So that’s why something like this is good. Everyone can come along and remember.

“Although Dave and Craig aren’t here, they’re in the aroha we feel.”

Fire and Emergency’s Katie Pocock, on behalf of Waitemata district leadership, said the conditions first responders faced that night were harrowing.

“The darkness, the water, the noise, the wind, the confusion, the loss.

“We are all forever changed because of that loss. We make a pledge that we will never forget the sacrifice.”

Fenz said today’s ceremony would include the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the Muriwai firefighters as well as a plaque marking the events of Cyclone Gabrielle last year.