In Aotearoa, fewer than six percent of career firefighters are women — and the number of queer, takatāpui, and gender diverse firefighters is so small it doesn’t even show up properly in the stats. That absence is exactly why the Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar has landed with such force. Bold, cheeky, a little thirsty, and utterly unapologetic, it’s the kind of visibility project that makes people sit up and say: Oh. This is for us too.
Speaking exclusively with YOUR EX, Sam and Nat, two of the wāhine featured in the calendar and part of the team behind it, the kaupapa is simple: representation saves careers before they’ve even begun.
“It goes without saying that you can’t be what you can’t see. Visibility makes pathways feel possible…” Sam says. “This calendar is our way of taking up space on our own terms. It’s fun, bold… but it also says, we’re here, we belong, and there’s plenty of room for more of us.”
Nat sees it every time she steps into a classroom for school visits: “You can literally see the thought process change in their heads when they see that girls can do it too… That is the same for the LGBTQ+ community… What better way to do that than with a calendar shoot! It got your attention didn’t it? Now come and join us!”
Challenging the Perception of Who a Firefighter Is
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has long been seen as a space slow to diversify — something both wāhine know is shifting from the inside out.
“If you want to wear the uniform, don’t be afraid… Everyone has something they can offer as an individual, and if you have the opportunity, you should take it,” Nat says.
Sam agrees, noting that the job isn’t hard because of identity — but because of the work. “If you feel called to this mahi, don’t let your identity be the thing that holds you back. There are plenty of good humans in the service who can hold space for you.”
And the community has responded in force. “It’s been a full-blown hype squad,” Sam says of the queer and takatāpui support. “It helped turn a cool idea into something that raises serious funds, builds community, and tells the world that queer people belong in these spaces, uniform or not.”
Nat has felt that aroha too: “The support from around the world has been mind-blowing… and has surpassed all of our expectations in the best way.”
A Kaupapa Grounded in Unity, Inclusivity & Real-World Impact
At its heart, the calendar is a fundraiser — but the kaupapa is broader. Breast cancer affects people of all genders, and the project makes that explicit.
“Breast cancer is a human issue, not something confined to women… the kaupapa itself is inclusive of everyone who may face this illness,” Sam says.
Their commitment to health equity is a natural extension of the job. “As firefighters, we show up for people at their most vulnerable—no questions asked,” Sam adds. Nat echoes: “Everyone deserves health equity and who we are as individuals shouldn’t change that.”
For Sam, the kaupapa is deeply personal. Her mother’s journey shaped how she talks about early detection within all communities, including LGBTQ+ groups. “Knowing your normal is the biggest lesson I took from my mum’s journey… If something doesn’t feel right, push for answers. Early detection saves lives.”
Whānau, Unity & the Power of Showing Up
Inside the station, unity means showing up as yourself — fully.
“Unity is when you can show up as yourself and your differences don’t dictate what people expect of you… What matters is being treated as capable, trusted, and part of the team,” Sam says.
Nat shares a similar experience: “I’m the only female on my station, but feel like I’m treated the same as all the other guys… just like whānau.”
That sense of whānau drove the project from the start. “The three of us behind the scenes became like sisters… Everyone involved jumped in to pull their weight and share in the mahi,” Sam says.
And the most moving responses? For Sam, hearing from the wāhine who paved the way: “For them to see what we’ve done and back it wholeheartedly, honestly means the world.” For Nat, it came from home: “My Mum… told me how proud my grandma would have been… I couldn’t help but tear up.”
Stepping Into the Spotlight — And Finding Power There
Photoshoot day took over the Defence Force base and transformed 13 firefighters into calendar icons.
“Most of us would rather run into a burning building than stand in front of a camera,” Sam laughs. “Flora made all of us feel like superstars.”
Nat had her doubts going in, but that changed fast. “Flora… really helped us forget about the nerves… By the end of the day we were all just focused on the amazing project.”
And yes — empowerment absolutely happened.
“Knowing they would be printed and seen by everyone triggered the ‘ugly fear monster’… but we lifted each other up… and the positive feedback helped all of us feel more comfortable and confident in our own skin,” Sam says.
Nat felt it too: “After the nerves were gone there was definitely a feeling of empowerment… and I was incredibly flattered by all the positive feedback.”
The Legacy: Space, Strength, and a Future That Looks Like All of Us
The impact on young people — especially queer and takatāpui youth — is front of mind.
“I hope it has a positive impact and encourages them to join… Anyone can be a part of the organisation… and bring their individuality to the team,” Nat says.
Sam adds: “There is space for you here… You can thrive in this mahi without having to compromise who you are.”
For LGBTQ+ communities across Aotearoa, Sam’s message is clear:
“If you have a story to tell, don’t let fear… diminish your shine. If it scares you… that’s exactly why you should do it. Hard is just part of the fun.”
Nat adds the simplest truth: “Don’t let who you are hold you back… Embrace your individuality and use it to your advantage.”
Gratitude — and the Village Behind the Vision
Both wāhine are quick to acknowledge the huge network that made the project possible — from the RNZAF’s Auckland Rescue Fire Service hosts to the glam team doing make-up (Aleph and Joico), printers (Blue Star), photographer Flora, PR whizzes at Wils and Co, the funders, behind-the-scenes legends, and Stacey the cook who “provided bomb kai”.
Nat offers a special shout-out: “Nicole, Zoe and Samara… Without them this project wouldn’t have been made a reality… I got the chance to meet more of the amazing wāhine from around the country!”
