Volunteer firefighters see the government’s review of fire services as a major opportunity to shape their future

Wellington, Wednesday 27 May 2015 - Rural and urban volunteer firefighters make up 80 percent of New Zealand’s fire services. Their representative organisation, the United Fire Brigade’s Association (UFBA), says the Minister for Internal Affairs, Peter Dunne, has just released a discussion document on possible reform options. It is the first major review in over 40 years and could lead to significant, and much-needed change.

UFBA Chief Executive George Verry says, “We want better, more sustainable emergency services for New Zealand communities. Our members want a say in how their fire services are shaped. They know what their local communities need and want, and they know how important it is for volunteers to get the support they need so the volunteer base survives into the future.”

The UFBA will be consulting with its volunteer urban and rural brigade members to get their views on the proposals. “Many of our members will also have fresh ideas and information. And we will draw on international evidence and experience to form our submission on the proposals.”

He said the UFBA was going into the consultation with an open mind. “All three reform options set out in the discussion document have huge implications for both urban and rural volunteers. It’s also possible a hybrid of the three or a completely new fourth option may be the final result - depending on the information that comes back from submissions.”

ends

© Scoop Media