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Hundreds of people are at the funeral of a firefighter who died from injuries recieved during Cyclone Gabrielle.
The celebration of life for volunteer Muriwai firefighter Craig Stevens is taking place on Wednesday at Muriwai’s Parihoa Farm, a week after his colleague Dave van Zwanenberg was farewelled there.
Stevens and van Zwanenberg were investigating flooding at a house on Motutara Rd – the main access into the Auckland beachside settlement – on February 13 when a landslide occurred and the house collapsed.
The pair were trapped in the slip. Van Zwanenberg’s body was found two days later, while Stevens died in hospital on February 16.
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At 2pm, about 600 people wearing brightly coloured shirts and dresses have arrived at Parihoa Farm.
Members of the Māori Bay Board Riders Club, which Stevens belonged to, are standing with their boards in a guard of honour as they wait for his casket to arrive.
The procession was led by BMX riders, followed by fire engines.
Stevens’ casket was laid on the back of the old Titirangi fire engine and carried to a spot in the crowd by fellow firefighters. Wreaths of flowers and his firefighter helmet with the word “Boomer” on it were laid on top.
Stevens wife, Lucy Stevens, told the crowd her husband had “exploded” into her life 17 years ago as a BMX rider wearing girls’ skinny jeans, a tank top and a sweatband.
“I instantly knew you were something special,” Lucy Stevens said, “You had this incredible energy, and life was one big adventure with you.
“You definitely kept me on my toes, and patching you up from your biking injuries was a regular occurrence.”
Lucy Stevens spoke of their travels together during their honeymoon and how Stevens had proposed to her in South Africa, after three days of trying.
Deciding to settle in Muriwai, while in New Zealand on a working holiday visa, felt like “coming home for both of us”, Lucy Stevens said.
“We had our two beautiful boys and couldn’t think of a better place than Muriwai for them to grow up, surrounded by beauty and love.
“Our days were filled with surfing, biking, beaching, BBQs and exploring with the amazing friends and families we have met.
“We would often stand on the deck looking at the sea, the beautiful sunsets and the night sky talking about how we couldn’t believe we were actually living our dream.”
Shortly before Stevens’ death, he decided he wanted to make a movie about his life in the BMX world, his wife said.
“We were trying to save to buy a house at that time, so you definitely had some resistance from me, but now it is the most precious thing in the world to me.”
Lucy Stevens said she was “so proud” when Stevens became a firefighter, she said he was in his element and their boys’ “ultimate” hero.
“The gap you are leaving in our lives is incomprehensible. You were the most incredible dad and husband and we felt so loved.
“You never took me for granted, were my biggest cheerleader in life and would always tell me every day how beautiful I was.
“Life will never be the same without you by our sides, but your spirit will always be with us and in the boys. Love you, Craig.”
Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory previously said Stevens had died “fighting valiantly ’til the end”.
“Craig and Dave died helping others, working with their teammates for the benefit of their community.”
STEVENS FAMILY/Supplied
Craig Stevens, a volunteer firefighter at Muriwai, died after being crushed in a landslide.
Matt Coplon, who has known Stevens for more than 20 years, posted a tribute on a website for Profile Racing – the BMX team Stevens rode for – saying he and those at the team were “shattered to say goodbye”.
“Our hearts are broken for his wife Lucy and their two sons and the rest of his family as well as his friends across the globe,” the tribute said.
In the message, Coplon said Stevens was “an amazing man” and “a dedicated and loving husband and father, an incredible friend”.
STEVENS FAMILY/Supplied
Stevens had been a keen BMX rider for many years.
Stevens, who grew up in both South Africa and the United Kingdom, had been a volunteer firefighter since 2018.
He had been a freestyle BMX rider for years, which is where he and Coplon met and “immediately became friends”.
“He’s an easily likeable person, a great storyteller, an amazing bike rider, and very protective of both his friends and family.”
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