Inaugural recruits versus trainers golf tournament honours fallen Rotorua firefighter

Firefighter recruit Ben Saunders and trainer Paul Manu will be going head to head in the inaugural Jason Siemonek memorial shield golf tournament. Photo / Ben Fraser

A golf tournament to honour a fallen firefighter will see trainers and recruits go head to head for a special trophy.

Jason Siemonek, a Rotorua senior firefighter and National Training Centre trainer, died suddenly in 2013.

His close friend and former colleague Paul Manu felt compelled to do something in his memory and when he discovered several recruits were adding golf to their hobbies, he came up with an idea.

"As an avid golfer myself, I was enthusiastic about organising a match with the recruits.

"I find that sport is therapeutic, and a healthy distraction from the stresses and challenges that firefighters are faced with on a daily basis."

Recruits and trainers will take to Springfield Golf Course today in a match of Canadian foursomes, competing for a trophy made out of a carving of Lake Rotorua.

Manu said he wanted a trophy that would do the event justice so was pleased when he bid for, and won the carving on Trade Me.

"The carving itself was designed by an angler association member and is believed to be carved by local carver Tommy Thompson.

"The shield, made from native kauri, is a depiction of Lake Rotorua and native foliage from around the Rotorua area. It also shows off other features within the area such as a trout, the ranges, a geyser and Māori wheku and hikuaua."

The daughter of the original owner, Joanne Beamish-White, said she was pleased taonga was passing to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and would remain in the Rotorua area.

"My father would have been very pleased with its final resting place at the National Training Centre."

The carving has now been signwritten to become the Jason Siemonek memorial shield, for the Trainers VS Recruits golf tournament and on August 7 it was blessed in a ceremony by Māori liaison officer Kereama Katu.

While today marks the inaugural match, it is intended the trophy will be played for at the end of each recruits' course.

"The support for the event has been great," Manu said.

"The competition was a way that we could remember [Siemonek], but also to remember what happened and inspire others to reach out if they ever need to talk."

Siemonek's former partner will be presenting the trophy to the inaugural winners.

Current recruit Ben Saunders said he thought it was a great concept.

"It's a way we can get behind and show support to a fallen firefighter."

He said he wouldn't describe his golf abilities as "good" but on the day it would all come down to the skills of fellow recruit Jordie Mead.

"Manu likes to talk a good game, but we are yet to see his ability so we will see what happens on the day."

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254.