Two years ago, Canterbury teenager Olivia Chinnery sat in the back of a moving fire truck, sirens roaring as crew in uniform pulled on their helmets beside her. It was her first bushfire callout as a freshly recruited volunteer for the Woodend Fire Brigade and as smoke emerged ahead of them, the driver instructed, “It’s going to be a big one!”
“There was a huge scrubby at Pines Beach, and as we were driving towards the smoke, everyone was being issued instructions for our arrival and I was sitting there freaking out a bit!” recalls the 18-year-old, whose father Paul, also a firefighter for the past 20 years, was in the front. “But I’d waited most of my life to be there doing it.”
From as young as five, Olivia accompanied Paul to the local fire station, near their family’s nursery business in the Waimakariri District, where she’d happily sweep the engine bay on a Sunday.
Although she and her sisters Nicole, 25, a nurse, and legal administrator Emma, 23, each had turns joining their dad at the station, it was Olivia who followed in his footsteps at age 16.
This story is from the August 1, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 1, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games