The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine

A Kauri among
Northlanders
It’s been said that heroes are born, not made. There is humility among people regarded as heroes.
They see nothing special in what they do, ask for nothing in return for their giving, and insist others
would do the same given the chance. But the rest of us know that isn’t true.
Story and pictures by Maria Cowin
Northland’s FRC Trevor Andrews
described 50-year medal recipient
Kaitaia CFO Terry Houghton (QSM)
as a true hero, and a kauri among
Northlanders.
Terry was being honoured at an
awards night (“one heck of a party”)
in Kaitaia in December.
“In my campaign
I said I wouldn’t attend
every formal function, only the
really important ones. Anyone
who’s devoted half a century
to volunteer service deserves
our respect.”
Far North Mayor Wayne Brown
The New Zealand Fire Service Magazine
“A kauri has mana,
significance, importance.
Terry, you are a Kauri
among Northlanders.”
Trevor Andrews, Northland
Fire Region Commander
The 300 plus well-wishers included
Terry’s twin brother Laurie – himself
a 35-year medal recipient – other
family, friends, colleagues, fellow
volunteers, supporters and dignitaries
the likes of Dame Margaret Bazley,
Far North Mayor Wayne Brown, MP
John Carter, and Northland DCFO
Colin Thompson.
Awards were also handed out to 18
Northland firefighters for their service.
Service
Between them these three gentlemen –
all 50 year medallists – have given more
than 150 years of volunteer service to
the New Zealand Fire Service, from left,
Arthur Drower from Tokoroa,
Terry Houghton (Kaitaia), and William
Barry “Friday” Connell from Waipu.
The feast highlighted a bounty of
Northland kaimoana – crayfish,
oysters, mussels, fish and creamed
paua.
This was a celebration of one of
Kaitaia’s finest – a true gentleman
whose generosity of spirit has no
end, and an acknowledgement of his
wife Dot who has stood proudly by
his side for so many years.
“It is important
that we recognise this
occasion as a community
occasion. It is great to see
such senior representatives
of your community here.”
Dame Margaret Bazley
February 2008
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