A Christchurch-based employee has conquered one of New Zealand’s tallest buildings, scaling 1,103 stairs in full firefighting kit to raise more than $12,000 for blood cancer research.
Matthew Dell, the Health, Safety and Environment Coordinator for Christchurch technology company Tait Communications, was one of 1,102 firefighters from 279 brigades to ascend Auckland’s Sky Tower on 23 May. The gruelling challenge saw participants race up 51 flights of stairs while weighed down by 25kg of gear.
Mr Dell completed the climb in an impressive 14 minutes and 31 seconds. Through his own fundraising efforts and staff donations that were matched by his employer, he raised a staggering $12,297 for Blood Cancer New Zealand. This exceptional sum placed him as the seventh-highest individual fundraiser for the entire event.
The 2026 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge collectively raised a record-breaking $2,518,774, a significant increase from the $2 million raised in 2024. The funds go directly towards vital research, patient support, and raising awareness for the more than 25,000 New Zealanders currently living with a blood cancer diagnosis.
A personal and corporate commitment
Tait Communications, a global leader in radio communications technology for emergency services, was an official event partner. For Mr Dell, the opportunity to represent his company for such a meaningful cause was a profound experience.
He described a powerful sense of camaraderie and purpose on the day. “The event staff and firefighters were so welcoming and thankful, and the atmosphere on the day was absolutely amazing,” he says. “Tait came together and raised over twice the goal for partners, and this money will make a real difference for people and families dealing with blood cancers in New Zealand.”
The devastating impact of blood cancer
The cause is a deeply personal one for thousands of families across Aotearoa. According to Blood Cancer NZ, eight people are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, every single day. That equates to approximately 3,000 people a year receiving life-altering news.
Unlike other cancers, blood cancers cannot be surgically removed. Treatment often involves long and arduous courses of chemotherapy, radiation, and medication, which can have a significant impact on patients and their whānau. The money raised through events like the Sky Tower Challenge is therefore crucial for funding research into new treatments and providing comprehensive support services, including counselling, financial assistance, and education. The need for such support services is growing, and community fundraising remains the primary source of income for organisations like Blood Cancer NZ, much like the wider public health system which is also under pressure. Similar issues have surfaced in Auckland, where vehicle disposal standards are inconsistent. Health NZ has recently been on a drive to recruit staff for new winter hospital wards to handle seasonal demand.
Putting mission-critical technology to the test
For Mr Dell, the event was also an eye-opening glimpse into the physical demands faced by the frontline firefighters who use Tait products daily. The experience provided a unique form of real-world product testing.
“This event allowed me to experience a small portion of the fatigue and heat that firefighters have to deal with when responding to emergencies every day,” he says. “With the fatigue, exhaustion, and overheating they will experience in emergencies, combined with the bulky jacket, helmet, and gloves, it is clear how important it is to have fit for purpose radios and accessories to improve usability and response times on the front line.”
During his ascent, Mr Dell was equipped with a Tait P25 TP9800 Multiband radio and a C-C550 Speaker Mic, allowing him to maintain communication with a support crew waiting at the finish line. His entire climb was recorded on an m-View Matrix 2 Plus Body Worn Camera, capturing a unique first-person perspective of the demanding challenge.
The participation of a company like Tait, whose equipment is mission-critical in high-stakes environments, underscores the synergy between corporate responsibility and product development. Just as large-scale sporting and cultural events can deliver significant economic benefits to a city, corporate participation in charity events provides both tangible and intangible value to the community and the company itself.
When asked if he would take on the 51 flights again, Mr Dell’s response was immediate and enthusiastic.
“In a heartbeat.
