Image: Firefighters Most Trusted Professionals

Thursday, 25 October 2001, 10:39 am
Press Release: NZ Firefighters Union

Caption: Fire Fighters are the most trusted profession in New Zealand and Air New Zealand is the overall most trusted brand, according to a Reader's Digest survey on trust, released today. With their awards are, from left: Mr Derek Best, secretary, NZ Professional Fire Fighters Union; Mrs Amarylise Bessey, Reader's Digest Research Manager; and Ms Liz Coutts, Air New Zealand Board Member and chair of the Board's Audit Committee.

(For more background see also... Who Do New Zealanders Trust? and Who Do You Trust? - Trans-Tasman Differences )

MEDIA RELEASE

24 October 2001

Firefighters Most Trusted Professionals

“The release of the Readers Digest survey showing Firefighters as New Zealand’s most trusted profession is a fitting tribute to the commitment and dedication demonstrated daily by Firefighters to the communities they serve", Derek Best, Secretary of the Professional Firefighters Union said today.

“The result also shows that the public appreciate the long fight Firefighters had been engaged in to protect Firefighters’ ability to deliver firefighting services in the face of grotesque attempts to cut Firefighter numbers.”

“With that dispute now in the past and with the settlement of a Collective Agreement, morale has significantly improved on Fire Stations, and the Readers Digest survey results can only improve Firefighters’ morale further” said Derek Best.

“Firefighters’ work is often dirty, stressful and dangerous and the survey results show that the public both understand and appreciate this. Firefighters have earned the trust of the public and will continue to act to the highest level to protect communities. Firefighters have every expectation to be at the top of the most trusted profession in next year’s survey”, concluded Derek Best.

For further information contact Derek Best on (025) 440 985

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