News
Two Invercargill Airport firefighters are trading their usual serious demeanor for cheesy 80s-style photoshoots as they prepare to tackle one of New Zealand's most grueling charity challenges.
Crew Chief Corey Diack and Senior Firefighter Jed Martin will climb Auckland's Sky Tower on Saturday, 23 May 2026, scaling all 1,103 steps in full firefighting gear to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.
But this year, they're taking a different approach to fundraising - embracing deliberately cringeworthy social media content featuring awkward family portrait poses and tongue-in-cheek videos.
"We wanted to do something that would actually grab people's attention," says Diack. "There's a lot of great causes out there, so we figured if we could make people laugh, we might also encourage them to get behind us."
Martin agrees, adding, "We're definitely putting ourselves out there this year. It's a bit of fun, but ultimately it's about raising as much as we can and supporting a really important cause."
The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, now in its 22nd year, supports families battling blood cancers through some of their toughest moments. Despite the humorous campaign, both men are taking their physical preparation seriously for the demanding climb.
Their creative content includes over-the-top captions and deliberately awkward poses, all designed to stop people scrolling and encourage donations. Martin jokes that "a 2027 calendar might already be in the works."
Invercargill Airport Chief Executive Stuart Harris praised the pair's commitment.
"Corey and Jed represent the very best of our team - not just in their professionalism on the job, but in their willingness to go above and beyond for the community," says Harris. "This challenge is incredibly demanding, and the fact they are putting themselves out there in such a creative way to raise awareness and funds speaks volumes about their character."
Despite the lighthearted approach, the firefighters remain focused on their goal.
"At the end of the day, it's about doing our bit," says Diack. "If we can raise awareness, get people talking, and bring in some donations along the way, then it's all worth it."
The community can support their campaign through donations at firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/invercargill-airport-fire-brigade and follow their journey on Facebook.
