About Graeme Monk
A life in service
Graeme Monk spent nearly 40 years in the New Zealand fire service. The fire service wasn't just a career — it was inherited. His uncle served in Te Aroha in the early 1900s. His father was in the Auckland Fire Brigade in the 1940s.
When Graeme looks back at their lives, the only things remaining are two faded, worn photographs. He wished many times for something more substantial — a memory of their service that could be passed down through the family. Something made of a material that would endure.
"He wished for something more substantial — a memory of their service that could be passed down through the family. One made of a material that would endure and survive the passing of time."
How it started
In 1985, a colleague retired after 22 years of service and was presented with a plastic shield as a farewell gift. That moment changed everything for Graeme. He was finally moved to create his first firefighter figurine — something real, something weighty, something that truly honoured a life given to the job.
Word spread. The New Zealand Police came next, commissioning sculptures for their Armed Offenders Squad. The range grew slowly and organically — each new piece designed from Graeme's deep personal understanding of what service looks and feels like from the inside.
How each piece is made
Ready to order or have a question?
Graeme handles every enquiry personally. Get in touch and tell him about the occasion.