Professional firefighters union hands over 1000-strong submission opposing restructure

Monday, 21 October 2019

Professional firefighters have handed over about 1000 submissions opposing restructuring proposals, which they say could put firefighters and the public at risk.

The NZ Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) handed over the submissions at Fire and Emergency HQ in Wellington on Monday, arriving in a fire truck.

Union secretary Joanne Watson said the number of submissions and their content was 'powerful'.

From left, Firefighter Riley Bell, NZPFU president Ian Wright and Thorndon senior station officer Mike Thomason handing over submissions at Fire and Emergency NZ headquarters on Monday.

'They can't be ignored. I believe FENZ (Fire and Emergency NZ) are genuinely consulting … but the response will be the proof in the pudding.'

From left, Firefighter Riley Bell, NZPFU president Ian Wright and Thorndon senior station officer Mike Thomason delivering submissions at Fire and Emergency NZ headquarters on The Terrace in Wellington on Monday.

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Thorndon senior station officer Mike Thomason said it had taken a lot for him to get to a level where he felt comfortable, confident and experienced enough to take command roles in 'significant' incidents.

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Part of FENZ's change proposal, obtained by Stuff, would see a principal rural fire officer – likely to specialise in large scrub fires rather than urban house fire experience – assigned the rank of chief officer, holding the position of district manager.

Watson said that could see fire chiefs taking command at incidents without the current required experience.

NZPFU had about 18,000 members but many submissions represented groups within that membership, and secretary Joanne Watson estimated the submissions spoke for at least half of its membership.

NZPFU had about 18,000 members but many submissions represented groups within that membership, and Watson estimated the submissions spoke for at least half of its membership.

Thorndon senior station officer Mike Thomason, one of the representatives handing over the submissions, said he had at least 22 years of experience as a professional career firefighter before he was ready to take command roles in 'significant' incidents.

'It's part of this job, you have to be comfortable and confident making these decisions. You can't hurry the process. There's no shortcuts.'

FENZ deputy chief executive service delivery Kerry Gregory, who accepted the submissions, had previously said the proposed changes were about having the right people for the right job and disputed claims of safety risks.

'We're not going to put a rural person in charge of a major structure fire.'