Pride of NZ Awards: Stair challenge just one of fireman's call-outs

Tony Scott, right, is joined by international firemen Steve Axup, left, and Kent Bastrom for last year's Sky Tower Stair Challenge. Photo / Greg Bowker

Fundraiser of the Year category: Tony Scott
Firefighter Tony "Scottie" Scott likes to keep himself busy - especially if it's for a good cause.

The 43-year-old has been a member of the Auckland Airport Rescue Fire Service for the past 22 years.

During that time he has become known as one of the Fire Service's most dedicated event organisers and can often be found volunteering at various functions or fundraising events throughout the year.

But he is most well-known as being the key driver behind the popular annual Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

Mr Scott first pitched the idea to Sky Tower officials almost 10 years ago. In 2005, dozens of firefighters raced up the 1103 stairs and reeled in a smooth $17,500 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The challenge is now so popular that the number of firefighters participating has to be capped.

This year more than 700 firefighters from around the country took to the stairs and raised more than $800,000 for the foundation.

Mr Scott, who hoped to get $1 million next time, said such events help them to give back to the public in a different way.

Watch: Pride of New Zealand Awards 2014

"It's just the fact that we can give back to the community. That's what it's all about for us. It's benefiting people in the whole of New Zealand, not just Auckland-based groups, and that's something we really like too."

Mr Scott and his family - partner Heather and children Charlotte, 16, and Harry, 12 - live in Pakaraka in Northland. He spends half his week in Auckland for his job.

For more coverage of the awards, go here or to nominate someone, go to the Pride of New Zealand Awards website.