Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer and chief executive Dr Stephanie Rotarangi has resigned as the top rural firefighter and will take up a position as chief fire officer for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in Melbourne.
The 20-year firefighting veteran is sad to be leaving but excited about the challenges of working in rural areas of Victoria.
"I'm going to really miss my staff and my volunteers and especially that strong camaraderie that Otago firefighters have,'' Dr Rotarangi said.
"I'm going to certainly miss my team and the work that we do in the region.
"Otago's my home and it will always be a very special part of who I am.''
She would take up the position following her last day with the rural fire authority on September 5.
It would be a "big adventure'' for her and husband, Anthony, and their three children.
"It's a bit of a leap of faith for us [but] I'm planning to make this move stick,'' she said.
Dr Rotarangi was head-hunted for her new job but said she remained "fully committed'' to her present role and had been "very proud'' to lead the team in Otago.
"This is a great opportunity for someone else to step up.
"There's certainly some amazing skills within my team.
"The team will still be really strong,'' she said.
"I'd really like to thank my staff and the volunteers for their hard work.
"It's certainly been a real privilege to have been a part of Otago Rural Fire.''
The Otago Rural Fire Authority will cease to exist from July 1, 2017 after it was announced in April that the New Zealand Fire Service, National Rural Fire Authority and the fire functions of more than 40 rural fire authorities would be merged into Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
