New Zealand's inaugural all-female professional firefighter calendar has been launched, featuring thirteen career firefighters from nine stations across three cities. The 'Wāhine Toa Firefighter Calendar' is a fundraising initiative, with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Cure.

The project was co-organised by firefighters Nicole Koch and Zoe Feau, who were inspired to act after discussing the existence of men's firefighter calendars while on shift. "We were like 'why isn't there a woman's one?' So we're just like, 'maybe we should just make one ourselves.'" She described the rapid journey from idea to reality as "outrageous," noting the supportive advice received from their male colleagues during the process.

Feau explained that partnering with Breast Cancer Cure was a natural choice. "We wanted to choose something that was really specific to women," she said, adding that several firefighters involved have close personal connections to the cause.

The calendar has generated significant international interest, particularly after a sneak preview was shared on Instagram. The project's Instagram following reportedly surged from 500 to around 30,000 followers overnight and has continued to grow. "We've been getting messages from all around the world. People are really excited and want to buy the calendar. It's actually been really overwhelming," Koch said.

While previous volunteer firefighter calendars have included women, this marks the first time New Zealand's female career firefighters have collaborated on a national fundraising calendar of this kind. The calendar is available for purchase from the Breast Cancer Cure website.

You can buy the calendar here:

https://www.breastcancercure.org.nz/calendar/wahine-toa-firefighter-calendar-2026/wahine-toa-firefighter-calendar-2026