Fire and Emergency New Zealand Faces important Staff Cuts Amid Funding Concerns
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is proposing sweeping changes that will result in approximately 140 job losses and impact around 700 roles, sparking a clash with the Public Service Association (PSA) union. The proposed cuts, aimed at saving $70 million annually, are raising serious questions about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to and prevent emergencies, especially as New Zealand faces increasing climate-related risks.
Broken Promises & frontline Impact
FENZ previously assured the public that frontline firefighter and communications center (ComCen) positions would be protected. However, the PSA argues the current proposal effectively decimates crucial support staff, undermining firefighting capabilities despite those assurances. This comes after RNZ reported on an internal document outlining a goal to save $50 million per year for three years.
“The government must step in and stop these short-sighted cuts,” stated PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.”FENZ is telling its workers to do more with less, which will inevitably impact their ability to deal with emergencies and prevent future ones.”
Where are the Cuts?
The proposed restructuring includes significant reductions in key operational areas:
* Operational Response Branch (Central): 46 roles slated for elimination.
* Wildfire Specialists: Four positions to be cut, a particularly concerning move given recent wildfires, such as the one impacting Tongariro National Park.
* Prevention Branch: 45 roles will be removed from the team responsible for proactive risk reduction and harm prevention.
These cuts are particularly alarming as thay target preventative measures and specialized response teams,perhaps increasing the severity and frequency of emergencies.
FENZ’s Justification: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
FENZ CEO kerry Gregory defends the proposal as a necessary step to modernize the service and adapt to evolving community needs and technological advancements. “Communities’ needs are changing, and technology…is advancing at pace,” Gregory explained in a statement. “To meet these changes, we must adapt and become more adaptable.”
The agency emphasizes that no structural changes will be implemented until March or April of next year. Gregory acknowledged the difficulty for impacted teams and individuals, stating a commitment to working constructively through feedback.
Concerns Over Consultation & Funding
The PSA is critical of the two-week consultation period, deeming it insufficient. They are actively pressuring FENZ to extend the timeframe for meaningful discussion.
Furthermore, the union alleges deliberate underfunding by the government is driving these cuts. FENZ’s revenue, primarily derived from insurance levies ($800 million in the last financial year) and other sources ($41 million), receives only a small portion of its funding directly from the government.
A History of Consolidation
FENZ states the proposal is a continuation of work begun in 2023, stemming from the 2017 merger of 40 organizations into a unified national service. This restructuring aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
What Does This Mean for You?
These changes could potentially impact emergency response times and the proactive measures taken to protect your community. While frontline firefighters and ComCen operators are currently shielded from job losses, the reduction in support staff could strain resources and ultimately affect the quality of service you recieve.
RNZ has reached out to the government for comment and will continue to follow this developing story.
Stay Informed:
* RNZ Coverage: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/578652/redundancy-a-last-resort-fire-and-emergency-set-to-propose-sweeping-changes-some-jobs-to-go
* Tongariro Fire: [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/578627/fire-crews-put-in-grunt-work-to-dampen-down-tongariro-fire-hotspots](https
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