The Hīmatangi Beach Firefighters Football event is one of our community’s favourite summer traditions. Held right here at Hīmatangi Beach, the 2025 game will take place on 28 December 2025. This annual fundraiser is organised and hosted by the dedicated members of the Hīmatangi Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade and serves as their major fundraising event each year.

Firefighters Football began in the early 1990s, created by Retired Chief Fire Officer Merv Smith. What started as a fun activity during a brigade training night quickly caught the attention of nearby campers, who asked to join in.

This sparked an annual challenge match between the campsite and the brigade at the local park, and it soon grew to include enthusiastic locals as well. Although the tradition paused for a few years due to changes in campground ownership, the campers never forgot how much fun it was. Eventually, they urged the brigade to bring the game back — and how could they refuse? The event was just too enjoyable for both players and spectators.

Since then, Firefighters Football has returned as a much-loved summer highlight, growing year after year. A trophy is now awarded to the winning team, and it’s often claimed by one of the camp teams, who usually enter the most players.

It’s a fantastic day out for all ages — full of laughter, friendly competition, and great community spirit.