UFBA events co-ordinator Kirsten Bolten said 16 two- and four-person teams would demonstrate their hose-carrying skills and race against the clock to win medals, trophies and a spot in the national challenge in Kamo, Northland, in March.
Luggate brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer Wayne Ferguson said it was the first time the UFBA had held a competition in Wanaka and there were enormous benefits for local firefighters, from honing their skills to networking and enjoying the camaraderie of the other teams.
The four-man team from Kelso, a suburb of Bathurst in the central west of New South Wales, arrived in Wanaka on Thursday from 36degC heat in Australia.
Kelso Deputy Chief Officer Shane Kearney said his team was looking forward to getting in some practice in New Zealand conditions and temperatures before the Australasian waterways championships in Carterton in November.
The competition starts at 9am.
