A Waitahuna farmer is training to tackle a new challenge, climbing 51 storeys in full firefighting kit to raise money for charity.
Daniel Wark (34), Waitahuna Volunteer Fire Brigade station officer, has signed up for the annual Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge in Auckland.
Firefighters race up 51 flights of stairs in the tower - or 1103 steps - wearing full kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.
This year's event is on May 17 and 700 firefighters have registered - the biggest field in the 10-year history of the challenge.
To train for the event, Mr Wark is climbing hills around his farm, and climbing steps at the Waitahuna hall wearing full firefighting kit and carrying breathing apparatus.
''My biggest worry is that I won't be fit enough,'' he said.
He is thought to be the first firefighter from a South Otago brigade to take up the challenge.
Waitahuna Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Russell Homer said the brigade was proud to back Mr Wark.
''He's a real go-getter kind of fellow.''
The Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge raises money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
