Craig Stevens died three days after being critically injured after a house collapsed while he was attending a major slip callout on 13 February. Photo: Supplied by Stevens family
Family, friends and the community gathered this afternoon in Muriwai, north-west of Auckland, to say their last words to one of two firefighters killed during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Craig Stevens, 39, died in hospital three days after he was critically injured when attending a major slip callout on 13 February, when a house collapsed while he was assisting the brigade.
Fellow firefighter Dave van Zwanenberg was trapped in the wreckage and was found dead under the debris.
On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of mourners gathered at a service at Parihoa Farm, in Muriwai, to pay their respects.
Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) riders and a convoy with several fire trucks went from the Muriwai fire station to the farm service, where several people stood in front of surfboards.
Craig Stevens was "the ultimate adrenaline junkie", according to his wife Lucy. Photo: Supplied by Stevens family
In her speech, Stevens' wife, Lucy said the family had been receiving a lot of support from the community.
"We have been blown away by the outpouring of love and practical help we have been given in an impossible situation," she said.
"This is a testament both to Craig and also to the strength of our beautiful Muriwai family and community, which is going through unthinkable pain at the moment."
Lucy said she was proud when her husband joined the fire service.
"You are the ultimate adrenaline junkie, and you loved running out the door when the siren went off.
"You were in your element, and you were our boys' ultimate hero," she said.
Stevens said her husband always fully embraced and lived life.
"The gap you are leaving in our lives is incomprehensible. You were the most incredible Dad and husband and we felt so loved.
"Life will never be the same without you by our sides, but your spirit will always be with us and in the boys."
Stevens' sister-in-law and one of his best friends also spoke in the service.
"Thanks to everyone that has made the last couple weeks easier for us. It's been an incredibly tough time, but having friends, family and strangers coming to support us has made it a little easier," she said.
"We are so grateful to all of you for the ways you had and continue to support us."
"Love you Craigy," she said sobbing.
Craig Stevens is survived by his two sons. Photo: Supplied by Stevens family
Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Phelan Pirrie was on duty the night of the incident that killed Craig Stevens.
In tears, he said the loss was a wound that would take time to heal.
"Craig, you fought right through to the end, and it's not going to be the same with you gone," Pirrie said.
"Thanks for your dedication and commitment and most of all, thank you for selflessly doing what volunteer firefighters everywhere do - heading towards danger to help people in need."
The service also featured a film made by Stevens in 2020, 'A love letter to BMX', and included his life story in Muriwai Beach.
The movie has been accepted for showing at the International Bicycle Film Festival.
Stevens leaves his wife Lucy and his two sons Kauri and Tai.