How do you train to run up the 1103 steps – that's 51 flights – of the Sky Tower wearing 25kg of fireman's equipment?

Volunteer firefighter Steve Hutchinson says it's simple, really. Just use one of the most natural resources Tauranga has to offer – Mauao.

Mount Maunganui volunteer firefighters Hayden Kinzett, Leanne Vaile, Steve Hutchinson, Garth Sunckell and Harry Linsay kitted up for their run. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

It's exactly what Steve and his workmates have been doing – 60 times in the last seven months to be precise.

But why?Mount Maunganui volunteer firefighter Steve and his team will head to Auckland on May 28, to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.

About 850, firefighters from throughout New Zealand will compete in the Sky Tower Stair Challenge, and funds raised will be used to support Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand's work in the community.

'This will be my third time,” Steve proudly proclaims, but the rest of his team have different experiences with the Sky Tower Stair Challenge.

Hayden Kinzett, Harry Linsay, and Garth Sunckell have all done the stair challenge multiple times, and Leanne Vaile will be conquering the challenge for the first time next Saturday.

Tania Anderson was due to participate but had to pull out due to a shoulder injury.

'I like to think that we're going above and beyond for most firefighters. Most are relatively fit and this is a good excuse to get out there and be extra fit,” says Steve.

He says the team chose the Mount for training as it's a similar height to the Sky Tower and the distance is slightly longer.

'Going from the other guys' conversations, I should be able to knock about five minutes off that actual time; so when I'm doing 20 minutes 20 seconds, I should be able to get about that 15-16 minute mark, which I'm aiming for.”

Other local teams include the Tauranga station, the Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade and Greerton Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Steve says not a whole lot goes through his mind when he's climbing the stairs.

'You're concentrating because you're making sure you're not falling over, and just making sure you put one foot in front of the other.

'I personally try to put all of that out of my mind and listen to my music and just concentrating on moving.”

What music? 'Heavy metal, so I don't have to listen to my own gasps for breath!” Steve laughs.

Donations to the teams can be made at here.