Mourners at the funeral of Dave van Zwanenberg, killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Marika Khabazi / RNZ
Hundreds of mourners have turned out at Muriwai in Auckland to farewell one of two firefighters killed during Cyclone Gabrielle.
The death toll for the cyclone currently stands at 11, with 346 people still listed as uncontactable.
Car after car pulled up to Parihoa farm, where a service was held on Wednesday to pay their respects to Dave van Zwanenberg.
His wife Amy told mourners her husband did not like drama, and would have been shocked to find himself the focus of so much attention.
"You've become a focal point of the extensive tragedy that so many have experienced in various horrendous ways."
Amy believed her husband would have wanted to help his community support each other and grieve, despite typically being a private man.
Photo: Supplied / van Zwanenberg family
He and fellow fireman, Craig Stevens, were attending a callout on 13 February. He was trapped in the house after another property collapsed on top of it
Stevens suffered critical injuries in the tragedy and later died in hospital.
On Wednesday, a horse-led procession went from the Muriwai firestation to the farm service.
A vintage fire truck at the funeral of Dave van Zwanenberg, killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Marika Khabazi / RNZ
Peter Dunne, chairperson of the United Fire Brigades' Association, said he hoped van Zwanenberg's sacrifice would inspire a new generation of firefighters, dedicated to helping their community as he did.
Residents also came to pay their respects for the man who gave his life helping others.
One remarked on how, as a veterinarian, van Zwanenberg was always more than happy to take a phone call or chat, listening to his patients' concerns without being dismissive.
A vintage fire truck at the funeral of Dave van Zwanenberg, killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Marika Khabazi / RNZ
Another said van Zwanenberg was much-loved throughout Muriwai.
Muriwai Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Phelan Pirrie said van Zwanenberg was a natural and talented leader who was rising rapidly through their ranks. A few weeks ago he was promoted to station officer.
"Last Monday was his first incident as an officer, with his new red helmet."
Fire and Emergency members attend the funeral of Dave van Zwanenberg, killed in Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Marika Khabazi / RNZ
Pirrie said he would miss the time he and van Zwanenberg had together.
A service for Stevens is expected to be held next week.
