Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The Walter Peak fire has been fully contained, and firefighters have demobilized this evening.

Fire and Emergency District Commander Blair Kiely says that after an assessment of the conditions on the ground this afternoon and the expected weather, the fireground is being handed back to the landowners to manage. The exclusion zone for vessels near the Walter Peak shoreline has been lifted.

Some areas may continue to smoulder over the next few days and people may notice smoke. Flare-ups will be monitored and Fire and Emergency will respond if there are any indications that fire could spread outside the perimeter. A further aerial inspection of the fireground will be made on Monday.

Blair Kiely says a senior specialist fire investigator will undertake a formal investigation to determine the cause and origin of this week’s fire, in line with Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s standard procedures. That will include any connection with the controlled burn undertaken on the Walter Peak High Country Farm on 30 September.

This week’s fire has burned an estimated 1350 hectares of land, mostly on Walter Peak Station, Cecil Peak Station and adjoining Conservation Estate. Walter Peak High Country Farm and Walter Peak Station are separate properties, with different owners and management.

Blair Kiely thanked all the personnel involved in the fire response and acknowledged the importance of working together with the Department of Conservation, landowners and Iwi to bring the fire under control.

The cost of fighting the fire is being compiled.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters have made significant progress in suppressing the Walter Peak fire, with approximately 80 per cent of the fire perimeter now contained and the fire edge behind the homestead fully controlled.

District Commander Blair Kiely says favourable weather conditions have enabled crews to concentrate on extinguishing remaining hotspots and strengthening containment lines around the fire edge.

With good progress being made, Fire and Emergency plans to scale back operations on the fireground by the end of the day. Ongoing monitoring in the days ahead will provide confidence that the fire remains contained, and any flare-ups can be quickly addressed.

Seventeen firefighters and ten support personnel are working across the McKinlay’s Catchment, supported by two helicopters. One helicopter is being used to transport crews and equipment, while a second remains available for targeted water drops in areas that cannot be safely accessed by firefighters on the ground.

While no homes, buildings or livestock have been lost, the fire has affected areas of tussock, scrub and tree cover, and it is expected that local biodiversity has been affected. Fire and Emergency recognises the significance of these environmental values and will continue working with the Department of Conservation, local iwi and landowners as assessments of the affected area are carried out.

Blair Kiely says that today’s progress reflects the dedication and collaboration of firefighters, helicopter crews, incident management personnel, landowners, Department of Conservation staff, iwi representatives, and partner agencies who have worked together in challenging conditions since Tuesday. “We are also very appreciative of the community’s support for the firefighting efforts in such a highly visible location.”

Fire and Emergency investigators will undertake a formal investigation to determine the cause of the fire, in line with standard procedures.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Public warned to expect service delays during upcoming strike periods

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) to call off its twice-weekly strikes while its members are considering a settlement offer.

“There is no point for NZPFU’s leaders to put the public at risk while their members are going through a process of voting on a proposed settlement,” Acting National Commander Megan Stiffler says.

The next strike is due to occur on Friday (9 October) between midday and 1pm, with further strikes scheduled on subsequent Wednesdays and Fridays.

“We’ve consistently called on the NZPFU to call off these reckless strikes while both sides are engaged in talks. There is even less justification to continue striking while its members are considering an offer.”

A version of Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer was first tabled in December 2025, although NZPFU refused to put it to members, costing the average senior firefighter more than $2,600 in missed earnings.

The offer provides for two annual 2.2 percent salary increases, alongside new and increased allowances. When the new and increased allowances are included alongside salary and overtime increases, this will give an average increase in take-home pay of approximately 2.5 percent in the first year.

“This offer compares well to other public sector pay settlements, however, during the most recent bargaining exchange the NZPFU would not table a revised pay proposal or identify what pay outcome it would accept. That made it impossible for the parties to negotiate towards a different pay settlement.

“Every time Fire and Emergency has shifted its position to bring the parties together, the NZPFU has increased its claim. That has made reaching settlement impossible.

“We’ve participated in independent facilitation through the Employment Relations Authority, which recently asked both parties to put forward their best offer. Fire and Emergency agreed to do so, the NZPFU did not.

We also offered to discuss independent arbitration to bring the dispute to a conclusion, which the NZPFU declined.

The public is being warned that response times will be delayed in strike impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location, although all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the stop work period.

“Fire and Emergency is focused on coming to a sustainable settlement so we can continue working to keep our communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Cooler temperatures and light rain overnight have helped suppress the vegetation fire at Walter Peak, providing firefighters with more favourable conditions as operations continue today.

An early morning flight found that the fire has significantly reduced, with no visible flames observed around the fire perimeter.

District Commander Blair Kiely says this is a positive sign and reflects the progress being made by firefighters, but he emphasises the fire is not out and firefighters will continue working to identify and extinguish hotspots.

Ground crews are back on the fireground today supported by helicopters, focusing on hotspot suppression and strengthening containment around the fire perimeter.

This has been a large and highly visible fire in the Queenstown Lakes area, burning approximately 1,400 hectares of mainly tussock, scrub and some tree cover. At no stage was there a risk to Queenstown or lakeside communities. No homes, buildings, or livestock have been lost as a result of the fire and Blair Kiely says crews are encouraged by the progress being made.

Fire and Emergency has been working closely with landowners, the Department of Conservation, local iwi, and other partners throughout the response to identify and protect areas and values most at risk. “While our priority has been to protect structures and livestock, we are very conscious of the environmental impact of vegetation fires,” Blair Kiely says.

Air operations remain an important part of the firefighting effort, and Fire and Emergency is asking boaties and members of the public to continue supporting crews by staying clear of operational areas. Exclusion zones remain in place for the safety of helicopter pilots, firefighters, and the public.

Blair Kiely says firefighters, helicopter pilots and incident management personnel, and support crews have worked tirelessly in challenging conditions over the past several days.

Fire and Emergency investigators will undertake a formal investigation to determine the cause of the fire, in line with standard procedures.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters will work until dusk this evening as they continue to tackle the vegetation fire burning in the high country above Lake Whakatipu.

The fire is estimated to have burnt 1,400 hectares of mainly tussock and scrub, with areas of trees. It is not yet controlled or contained, with the situation still dynamic.

The fire has spread from Walter Peak station along the McKinley’s Creek area and has also affected parts of adjoining conservation estate and Cecil Peak station. No homes or buildings have been damaged, and there are no structures or livestock assessed as being at immediate risk

Five helicopters with monsoon buckets have been dropping water on the fire, targeting the most active fire edges. Ground crews are continuing structure protection work around the homestead, creating defensible space and strengthening containment lines. An Incident Management Team is directing operations and planning further ahead.

Firefighting operations will be suspended overnight for safety, with helicopters standing down at last light. A ground crew will remain at Walter Peak to monitor the fire and maintain readiness, enabling crews to resume operations at first light tomorrow.

District Commander Blair Kiely says that the fire’s behaviour continues to be influenced by steep terrain, the vegetation and changing wind conditions. Firefighters are closely monitoring weather forecasts and fire activity and adjust tactics as conditions change.

He says a specialist fire investigation will be conducted in accordance with Fire and Emergency procedures, but the immediate focus remains containing the fire.

Tomorrow there will be five aircraft supporting 23 firefighters, with incident management and support personnel all active.

Crews from the Department of Conservation and the Glenorchy, Hedgehope and Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigades will be working on the fireground.

Fire and Emergency is working closely with the landowners, the Department of Conservation and iwi to understand the areas and values most at risk.

“We have the resources in place to respond to changing conditions and continue protecting communities and assets,” Blair Kiely says.

He has asked the boating community to continue staying away from the Walter Peak fire area, with an exclusion zone in place for the safety of both the public and firefighters, including helicopter pilots.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighting is continuing at Walter Peak, where changeable winds are creating additional challenges for crews working on steep slopes.

District Commander Blair Kiely says that crews are making progress with about 15 percent of the perimeter secured, but there is a significant amount of work still to be done.

“The fire is burning both up and down hill in complex terrain, creating additional challenges for our firefighters.”

Crews from the Department of Conservation (DOC) are working alongside Fire and Emergency volunteer firefighters. All of the ground crews assigned to this fire are trained and experienced in operating in challenging, rugged conditions and are a valuable part of the coordinated response effort.

Today’s efforts are focused on extending the contained area and protecting livestock in the vicinity, while maintaining the ability to protect the Walter Peak homestead and associated buildings if wind changes drive the fire nearer.

Blair Kiely says forecast rain could assist suppression efforts but may also create additional operational challenges.

The fire is not posing any risk to Queenstown or other communities along Lake Wakatipu. Drifting smoke will continue to be seen and smelled in a wide area, with exact locations changing as the wind shifts.

Air quality around affected areas may be impacted by smoke. Health New Zealand advises that people who are sensitive to smoke, including those with heart or lung conditions, those who are pregnant, young children, and older adults, may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

People affected by smoke are encouraged to:

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Set air conditioning systems to recirculate or turn them off.
• Air out homes once smoke conditions have improved.
• Check on children, older people, and others who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
• Keep pets indoors where possible and ensure they have access to clean water and food.

Blair Kiely has thanked the boating community for continuing to stay away from the incident area so that aircraft can operate safely.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighting resumed at Walter Peak at 7am today, with air and ground operations underway.

Four helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets are cooling hotspots and dampening the fire perimeter, with a fifth helicopter used as an aerial platform to direct the air attack.

There are 11 firefighters on the ground, with additional crews arriving throughout the day to bring the numbers on the ground up to 25.

Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan says the protection of Walter Peak Station homestead and farm stock remain the priority.

While overnight conditions were relatively favourable, the fire has continued to grow and is now estimated at approximately 1,200 hectares. The size is likely to increase if the fire becomes more active due to weather conditions.

Members of the public on the lake are reminded to stay at least 500 metres offshore to keep clear of where our helicopters are operating. This exclusion zone will be monitored by the Harbourmaster and Coastguard throughout the day to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Smoke conditions may worsen in some areas on the opposite side of the lake during the day. Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed and limit exposure where possible.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighting operations have ceased for the night at Walter Peak, where a vegetation fire has been burning since this morning.

Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan says that a significant area of fire has been extinguished this afternoon thanks to the efforts of firefighters and helicopter pilots, but the fire is not yet contained or controlled.

The main area of active fire is around McKinlays Creek, east of the Walter Peak homestead. Conditions remain windy with norwesterly winds forecast to continue tomorrow with some light rain likely in the afternoon.

The most recent aerial reconnaissance showed the size of the fireground had increased from about 146 hectares to about 390 hectares.

People will continue to see signs of fire and smell smoke overnight. Those in areas affected by drifting smoke, including Hanleys Farm and Jacks Point, should keep doors and windows shut to avoid exposure to the smoke.

Both ground and air operations will resume in the morning, with up to 15 firefighters supported by three helicopters with monsoon buckets, and a fourth helicopter used for directing the air attack.

Nic McQuillan says watercraft should stay well offshore from Walter Peak tomorrow when helicopters resume flying, so they do not interfere with the aircraft filling their monsoon buckets from the lake.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighting operations are continuing at Walter Peak, where a large vegetation fire is burning on steep slopes above the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan says about 25 firefighters and incident management support personnel are involved, supported by six helicopters. There are three areas of active fire. The fire is not contained, but efforts to protect the Walter Peak homestead and other buildings in its vicinity have been successful.

Firefighters from Queenstown, Frankton, Glenorchy and Mossburn are working on the western flank to consolidate the perimeter. They and the air attack will continue working until sunset, when operations will be suspended overnight.

Firefighters and aircraft will recommence work tomorrow morning. People should expect to see signs of fire overnight and into tomorrow.

Boat operators including people in private watercraft should stay well away from the Walter Peak Station shore where helicopters are filling monsoon buckets.

As the fire is still travelling quickly downwind it is feeding on patches of vegetation, which is causing smoke to intensify as it moves through those areas. Smoke will continue to drift across the lake towards Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, so people in areas affected by the smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise their exposure.

At 3pm the fire was mapped at 146 hectares with a perimeter of almost 6km. Nic McQuillan says it has increased since then.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is disappointed to see the Public Service Association (PSA) and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) file legal proceedings with the Employment Relations Authority regarding Fire and Emergency’s organisation structure changes.

“We have undertaken significant engagement with the unions on the reasons for change over recent months since we accepted the March determination of the Employment Relations Authority,” Acting Chief Executive, Darryl Purdy says.

“It was our view that the engagement process had reached a stage where the key issues had been identified, discussed, and considered by all parties.

“While we have genuinely sought consensus with our unions, there is a fundamental disagreement with some of the unions as to whether any structure change should take place at all,” Darryl Purdy says.

“We now consider it appropriate to move forward, taking into account both the feedback received, and the organisation’s assessment of the changes required.

“We are also acutely aware of the impact this prolonged process has had on our people, who have been telling us clearly that they need to see a conclusion to the change process begun nearly eleven months ago,” he says.

“This latest ERA challenge is further slowing down an already protracted change process for our people and continuing to leave them in a position of uncertainty.

“We recognise the ERA will now be considering the case put forward by the PSA and NZPFU and we will prepare our responses accordingly. As this is an ongoing case, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.”

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Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi and New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union

The PSA and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have filed more legal proceedings in the Employment Relations Authority which aim to stop Fire and Emergency NZ pushing ahead with a restructure the Authority has already found was carried out unlawfully.

The unions have filed for compliance orders to stop FENZ making any decisions, dismissing any union members or changing their terms and conditions until it meets its obligations under the collective agreements and the law.

In March the Authority found FENZ breached both collective agreements and its duty of good faith, by failing to consult the unions on whether change was needed and why. Six months on, FENZ has restarted the same process, with the same consultants, without fixing the problem.

“FENZ was told by the Authority it broke the law. Instead of starting again properly, it has dusted off the same plan and is trying to push it through anyway,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“We wrote to the board chair asking him to suspend the restructure. He refused, leaving the unions with no choice but to go back to the Authority.

“FENZ’s so-called ‘reasons for change’ document is a consultant-written mess of bullet points, arrows and coloured boxes, with substantial AI input. Almost every proposed change comes with the exact same boilerplate justification.

“You can’t restructure an emergency service on that basis. It must stop now, before livelihoods are upended for no good reason.

“These are the people who train firefighters, reduce fire risk in our communities and support crews when they’re called out to emergencies. Their jobs shouldn’t be cut on the strength of a document nobody can make sense of.”

Fleur Fitzsimons said this was a textbook case of why a public good test is needed for all public sector restructures. “FENZ has botched this restructure time and again – a public good test would have forced it to properly weigh its impacts across a range of criteria, avoiding this mess.”

NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson said the restructure must be stopped.

“FENZ’s chief executive has lost the confidence of his own Minister. FENZ has no business forcing through a process the Authority has already found unlawful.

“This shouldn’t be happening in the middle of an election campaign, when parties including Labour have committed to a review of FENZ. Locking in the biggest restructure in FENZ’s history weeks out from polling is reckless.”

Previous statements

18 Mar 2026 – ERA rules FENZ broke the law – restructure breached good faith and obligations to consult

Public good test

31 August 2026 – Enough is enough: public good test needed to stop Govt’s reckless restructures

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

• NZPFU delay has cost average senior firefighter $2,600

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomes the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union’s agreement to take a proposal for two annual 2.2 percent salary increases, alongside new and increased allowances, to members for ratification.

When the new and increased allowances are included alongside salary and overtime increases, this will give an average increase in take-home pay of approximately 2.5 percent in the first year.

“This is a positive and important step. We have consistently sought a fair and sustainable collective agreement, and NZPFU members will now have the opportunity to directly consider a proposal that was first tabled in December 2025,” says Deputy Chief Executive People Janine Hearn.

When first tabled, it provided for a 2.2 percent increase from 1 December 2025 and a further 2.2 percent increase from 1 January 2027 over a 24-month term, alongside lump-sum payments, new and increased allowances and other provisions. The package was modelled at approximately $50 million over four years.

Janine says the decision to put the proposal to members is welcome, but the NZPFU’s delay in doing so has cost the average senior firefighter approximately $2,600 since the original offer was first tabled. She also noted the facilitation process did not produce a revised NZPFU pay position.

“During the most recent facilitation the NZPFU would not table a revised pay proposal or identify what pay outcome it would accept. That made it impossible for the parties to negotiate towards a different pay settlement.

“Every time Fire and Emergency has increased its offer, the NZPFU has hiked its settlement proposal taking the two parties further apart.

“Putting our proposal to members now creates a pathway to an outcome, but the NZPFU’s delay in doing so, also costs them.”

Currently senior firefighter base salaries are set at $80,600-$87,300. The proposal delivers an increase of approximately $1,773-$1,921 a year in gross base salary for those team members. In addition, the increase in average overtime earnings is worth approximately $858 per annum and the new and increased allowances worth approximately $410 per annum. In total, this equates to an average overall increase of 2.5 percent.

The Government’s Workforce Policy Statement expects settlements to avoid backdating any components of adjustments to pay and conditions, so delaying taking an offer out to members reduces the benefit ultimately available to those members.

The NZPFU’s 10-month delay in taking this proposal out to its members means they have missed out on those increases for 10 months. For the average senior firefighter, that equates to approximately $2,600 in lost income.

“That is real money for our people and illustrates why reaching a settlement matters. We will respect the NZPFU’s ratification process and await the outcome,” Janine says.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Every second person who dies in a house fire is over sixty. When the clocks roll forward an hour on Sunday 27 September Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Education Manager, Tom Ronaldson, urges people to look out for their loved ones and their older relatives, friends and neighbours.

“Over the last five years we have seen an increase in the number of fatal fires involving people over the age of sixty,” Tom Ronaldson says.

“People only have around three minutes to get out before a house fire becomes unsurvivable.

“To give yourself and your older family and friends the earliest possible warning, you need working smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, hallway and living area.

“It is important to look out for older neighbours, family and friends who may not have the ability to install, test or replace smoke alarms themselves.”

Tom also says that people need to know smoke alarms don’t last forever and should be replaced after 10 years.

“We often see homes which have smoke alarms installed but they are well past their use by date so won’t be at their best. Checking alarms is easy – remove them from the base plate and check their manufacture and/or expiration on the bottom of the alarm.”

Fire and Emergency recommends people install long-life photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway to have the earliest possible warning of a fire.

“Most New Zealand homes have smoke alarms, but now is the time to make sure they are working and in the right places and that means in every bedroom, living area and hallway, Tom Ronaldson says.

“Having smoke alarms is only the first step in your 3-step escape plan. When testing yours and your loved one’s alarms make sure there are two clear exits and an agreed safe meeting place.”

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a five-hectare scrub and grass vegetation fire on Far North Road in Te Kao at 9.48am today. Firefighters from Houhora and Kaitaia responded, supported by two helicopters. Fire and Emergency and Police have evacuated ten houses as a precaution, with the residents likely to be returned home this afternoon. The fire is currently contained, but windy conditions have made firefighting difficult.

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Source: Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa

The Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) is calling on the Government to replace the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) levy on insurance policies, saying the current system is outdated, not fit-for-purpose, and unnecessarily adds to the cost of insurance for households and businesses.

In a submission to the Government’s review of FENZ funding, ICNZ states emergency services should no longer be funded primarily through levies collected on insurance policies.

ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi says ICNZ strongly supports a well-funded FENZ and the work its people do every day but believes it is time to modernise how the service is funded.

“The current funding system reflects a time when fire services were closely linked to fire insurance, but that’s no longer the reality.

“FENZ today responds to a wide range of emergencies including vehicle accidents, medical events and civil defence emergencies. Everyone benefits from having a strong and effective emergency service.

“The key issue is whether the current funding model remains the best way to ensure FENZ is sustainably and fairly funded.

“Insured households and businesses bear most of the cost through the levy, despite the benefits of FENZ being shared across the community. That is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.”

ICNZ says government taxes and levies account for around 40% of a typical home insurance premium, with the FENZ levy making up about 5%. Across all insurance products subject to the levy, it accounts for approximately 9% of premiums.

“The collection and administration of the levy imposes significant compliance costs on insurers, which are ultimately passed on to consumers,” says Kris Faafoi.

ICNZ has recommended FENZ be funded through a broader and more equitable approach, such as general taxation or property and vehicle-based levies, reflecting the public good nature of the services it provides.

“The current approach is inequitable because people with similar assets can pay very different levy amounts depending on the insurance cover they choose, while those who are uninsured contribute nothing towards funding the service.”

The submission notes most Australian states and many comparable overseas jurisdictions have moved away from insurance-based fire service levies, instead funding emergency services through general taxation, local government funding or property-based levies.

“For many years there have been calls for a fairer and simpler approach to funding FENZ. The current review presents an excellent opportunity to create a funding model that better reflects the services FENZ provides today and delivers a more sustainable funding framework into the future,” says Kris Faafoi.

“We believe the time has come to move beyond an insurance-based levy and adopt a funding model that shares the cost of emergency services more fairly across the community.”

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

New Zealand has today welcomed home the final contingent of personnel deployed to North America to assist with wildfire response efforts.

Since July, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has led three contingents of firefighters and incident management specialists to the United States and Canada. The “Bravo deployment” who returned today was the largest of the three, comprising 57 people who worked on several large fires, mostly in Washington State.

In all, 68 Kiwis have been deployed in the last eight weeks as part of joint Australia-New Zealand contingents under our long-standing mutual assistance arrangements with the USA and Canada.

The NZ Defence Force, Department of Conservation and the forestry industry have all contributed personnel alongside Fire and Emergency’s own volunteers and paid staff.

Fire and Emergency National Commander Megan Stiffler says that sending our people overseas to help in time of need is more than just being a good global citizen. “The experience that they have gained in complex, large scale firefighting and incident management will be of huge benefit to our own capability.”

Fire and Emergency is preparing for a heightened risk of wildfire over the coming months, due to the Super El Niño predicted to affect the southern hemisphere.

“We are readying ourselves for the likelihood of challenging operating conditions across New Zealand,” Megan Stiffler says. “This is likely to include elevated wildfire risk, periods of severe weather, prolonged dry conditions in many areas, and increased potential for significant incidents requiring sustained operational response.”

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning the public that the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) will be striking tomorrow, Wednesday 16 September, between 12pm and 1pm.

“I want to reassure the public that all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the strike period,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says.

“However, our response times will be delayed in impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location. So, we are asking the public to remain extra careful.

“Our advice remains the same. If there is a fire, get out early, stay out, then call 111.”

During the one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and may not attend less serious incidents, such as private fire alarms where there is no sign of fire, small rubbish fires, traffic-management assistance, and animal rescues.

In addition, Fire and Emergency has established a process with Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance for responding to medical events in impacted areas.

“We remain focused on achieving a fair and sustainable settlement with the NZPFU so we can continue working to keep communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Four Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel from Auckland, Dunedin, Ōmokoroa, and Richmond were presented with King’s Birthday Honours by the Governor-General, the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, at an investiture ceremony at Government House in Wellington today.

Fire and Emergency Board Chair Raveen Jaduram was pleased to be part of the Fire and Emergency Royal Honours luncheon, held at Parliament following the investiture ceremony, celebrating the recipients and their well-deserved recognition.

“Our people being honoured today have made outstanding contributions across Fire and Emergency, as well as fostering strong connections within their communities.”

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements. We thank them for the lasting contribution they have made in service to Fire and Emergency and to Aotearoa New Zealand. Their communities are stronger because of their work.”

An additional two King’s Service Medal recipients, Ralph Pitcher and Graeme Kates, will be attending ceremonies to receive their awards later in September and October.

Congratulations to the recipients:

Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga Esitone) PAUGA, appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga has served for more than 40 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the preceding New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS).

Mr Pauga became a career firefighter in 1981 and served until retirement in 2025. He was an operational firefighter for 32 years before attaining the role of Assistant Commander in 2013 and Area Commander in 2015, latterly holding roles with Fire and Emergency national headquarters. He co-founded Afi Pasefika (Pacific Fire) in 1996, an initiative which has become an important part of the People Led Network and Pacific representation and advocacy within Fire and Emergency. Under his guidance Afi Pasefika has grown into a national network of career and volunteer firefighters, support personnel, and executive officers. The network works closely with Pacific communities to deliver fire safety messages, foster recruitment, and provide career advice for Pacific personnel. He was the Fire and Emergency representative on the Te Kiwi Māia Advisory Group from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has enabled firefighters and their family to access specialised wellness and recovery support. He has strengthened the relationship between Fire and Emergency and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, establishing collaborative initiatives to enhance operational capability. Mr Pauga led a team of firefighters to Samoa as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.

Ms Michele Margot POOLE, appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Ms Michele Poole has contributed to emergency responses across New Zealand for more than 30 years.

Ms Poole is currently a Senior Regional Communications and Engagement Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She is a member of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Emergency Management Assistance Team, the Fire and Emergency Urban Search and Rescue Command and Technical Support team, and the Maritime New Zealand National Oil Spill Response team. She represents Fire and Emergency on the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Public Information and Warnings Group. She has developed and implemented Fire and Emergency’s Emergency Strategic Communications capability. She trains and supports Public Information Management around New Zealand and has built capability in emergency communication across the public communications sector and in local government. She was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand chapter of Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) and chaired the New Zealand EMPA Conference from 2014 to 2021. She has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most significant emergency responses including the 2011 Christchurch and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes, Whakaari/White Island eruption in 2019, and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. She has been deployed to major emergency responses in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. For her contributions to emergency communications, Ms Poole was made a Fellow of EMPA.

Mr Ian John BLUNT, awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt has contributed more than 40 years to community service and leadership, primarily through Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Mr Blunt joined Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1984, progressing from Station Officer in 1988 to current Chief Fire Officer since 2002. He has played a key role in regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation by forging effective partnerships between Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Coastguard, and local Bay of Plenty organisations. In 2015, he pioneered the establishment of New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, separate from the firefighting team. This innovation now supports approximately 300 calls annually and is recognised nationally. He has ensured sustainable funding for the station through community and corporate partnerships, enabling the acquisition of vehicles and equipment without requiring members to fundraise. As a long-time member, Chair and Course Superintendent of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, he has used his own equipment and time to improve the grounds and infrastructure. He has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, serving as Commodore and ensuring ongoing emergency response collaboration to enhance community safety. Mr Blunt has been involved in Ōmokoroa Point School fundraising activities as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and through the Fire Brigade.

Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD, awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the dairy industry.

Mr Ted Ford has served the Appleby community over 36 years as a volunteer firefighter and is a prominent member of the Jersey farming industry.

Mr Ford was an inaugural member of the Appleby Volunteer Rural Fire Force in 1988 and was instrumental in its transition to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2017. He worked as a training coordinator and vehicle and equipment coordinator. He has had a long involvement with the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, becoming Vice President in 2018, and President from 2019 to 2021. He continues to serve as a committee member, focusing on the care and maintenance of the Association’s 100-acre park. He has volunteered with local and national Jersey groups and is a Jersey New Zealand Regional Ambassador for the Upper South Island. He was a committee member for the planning and presentation of the Top of the South New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. He was Chair for the Top of the South Agricultural Industry Training Organisation and offered training on his farm to develop cadets’ practical and theoretical farming knowledge. Mr Ford was Chair of the Appleby School Committee from 1985 to 1987 and continues to support the school with educational farming visits.

Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to conservation and the community.

Mr Graeme Kates has played a significant role in the protection of native biodiversity in the Arthur’s Pass region for more than 31 years.

In 2003, Mr Kates privately funded extensive stoat and rat traps within the Bealey Valley, a conservation initiative which led to the foundation of the Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust (APWT). With the APWT, he undertook initial work to protect the Great Spotted Kiwi in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where his subsequent research and data collection led to improved knowledge of the species. He helped install 106 kilometres of trap line and coordinates the volunteers that service them, resulting in over eight thousand predator species caught within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. He created and maintains a website that updates the public on track and mountain conditions, weather stations and webcams within Arthur’s Pass National Park. As an experienced mountaineer, he wrote ‘Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers’, published by the New Zealand Alpine Club. He voluntarily controls invasive weed species and is largely responsible for the eradication of lupins in the Bealey Valley. Mr Kates also volunteered for Arthur’s Pass LandSAR, and served for more than 29 years with the Arthur’s Pass Volunteer Fire Brigade, including five years as Fire Controller and 17 years as Deputy Fire Controller.

Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER awarded King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.

Mr Ralph Pitcher has served the Whangamatā community for more than 60 years.

Mr Pitcher has been a volunteer firefighter since 1965, still actively serving as part of the Whangamatā Fire Brigade. He assisted with major equipment and building changes to the Brigade and has mentored generations of firefighters. He is founding member, President, and committee member of the Moana House retirement home, where he was integral to the completion of the Wilson Wing Hospital, and five low-cost housing cottages for pensioners. He has served for more than 48 years with the Whangamatā Lions Club, including 15 years as President. He served on several committees and manages the Charitable Trust responsible for dispersing funds to community organisations. He is Trustee of Lions Investment Golf Club, committee member of the Williamson Golf Club and was involved in the establishment of Titoki Golf Club. He was a volunteer ambulance officer and later became Chair of St John’s Whangamatā Ambulance Service. He was a committee member of the Whangamatā Club for 15 years. He was President and was founding member of the Whangamatā Sports Centre and Squash Club, contributing significantly towards the Club’s redevelopment. Mr Pitcher volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver.

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A fire involving a fuel tanker on the Peka Peka Expressway this morning has been contained to the cab of the vehicle and its tractor unit.

Assistant National Commander Bruce Stubbs says that firefighters reached the scene quickly and worked effectively to prevent the fire from spreading and igniting the fuel that the tanker was carrying. “It’s a really good save by our crews,” he says.

Firefighters are still at work dampening down the area and the Peka Peka Expressway remains closed.

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire trucks from multiple brigades are responding to a fuel tanker on fire on the Peka Peka Expressway just south of the Otaki River, on the Kapiti coast.

The first 111 call was received at 5.06am, and the cab of the tanker was well ablaze when the first crews arrived.

As at 6am there are 19 fire trucks, tankers and specialist vehicles at the scene or en route.

The tanker is in the north-bound lane. The Peka Peka expressway is closed from Otaki to Te Horo.

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has welcomed home the team of incident management specialists who have been supporting Canada’s wildfire response for the last five weeks.

Each of the five Fire and Emergency personnel has been working on different fires in British Columbia, filling roles as Divisional Supervisors, Logistics Section Chief, Safety Officer and Helicopter Coordinator. They have been working on extensive and complex fires as members of Canadian Incident Management Teams.

Our International Liaison Officer has been based in Winnipeg, supporting both New Zealand and Australian personnel in Canada.

The team departed for Canada on 6 August and formed the second contingent that Fire and Emergency has deployed to North America since mid July. The other two deployments have been supporting wildfire responses in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Fire and Emergency’s National Commander, Megan Stiffler, says that Canada’s firefighting authorities have appreciated New Zealand’s assistance with their challenging wildfire season. There are around 600 active wildfires burning across several states with many still out of control.

“The people who have just returned from Canada have given of their best and we are very proud of the work they have done to protect communities in British Columbia. Each of them was selected for their competence and experience, as well as their ability to fit in to new teams.”

The third group to deploy to North America is working on fires in Utah and Washington State. The 57 firefighters and incident management specialists include personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force, Department of Conservation and the forestry industry as well as Fire and Emergency.

Megan Stiffler says that the experience gained in the three international deployments will enhance New Zealand’s own readiness for the coming fire season, which is forecast to be longer, drier, hotter and windier than normal in many parts of the country due to El Niño.

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

As we enter spring, forecasts from Earth Sciences New Zealand and Fire and Emergency New Zealand indicate El Niño conditions are likely to develop and strengthen over the coming months, with some guidance suggesting the event could become one of the stronger El Niño events on record.

Historically, stronger El Niño events have been associated with more frequent westerly winds, warmer temperatures, and below-normal rainfall in eastern parts of both the North and South Islands. However, the timing, severity, and extent of these impacts can vary considerably from one event to another.

Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Executive Prevention, Stephen Hunt, says Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor conditions, communicate fire risk and provide advice on keeping safe.

“Despite the uncertainty of when and how El Niño will impact on New Zealand, it’s time for Kiwis to start preparing,” Stephen Hunt says.

“There are some simple steps people can take now to reduce wildfire risk around their properties. Clear dead and dry vegetation from around buildings, make sure emergency vehicles can easily access your property, ensure water supplies are available if firefighters need them, and keep spring grass growth under control. These actions can make a real difference if fire threatens your home or community,” he says.

“A fast-moving fire in Wanaka recently showed the speed at which a fire can grow and threaten homes, so we’re also asking people to consider what they will do should a wildfire occur in their community.

“We encourage people to get to know their neighbours, talk with their whānau about what they would do during a wildfire, plan evacuation routes, and prepare essential supplies in case they need to leave quickly. Taking these simple steps now can make a significant difference if conditions deteriorate over summer.”

You can create a wildfire plan for your home and community now using Fire and Emergency’s free tool at checkitsalright.nz/prepare-for-wildfire.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler is calling on all New Zealanders to do their part to reduce the risk of fires starting this summer.

“Around 98 percent of wildfires in New Zealand are caused by people and their activities. We urge people to use fire safely and to always check the conditions and fire season status in their area before lighting an outdoor fire. They can do this and find more safety advice at checkitsalright.nz.

And while we’re asking New Zealanders to do their bit, we’re doing ours. Fire and Emergency is ensuring we’re operationally ready to protect communities this summer.

“We are working hard preparing for a potentially busy upcoming season by reviewing operational readiness, identifying emerging risk areas early, and working closely with local authorities, iwi, land managers, industry partners, communities and partner agencies from Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force and the forestry sector.

“Our national coordination centre is ready to provide oversight during periods of heightened fire risk, and we can move personnel, appliances, and specialist resources between districts, including pre-positioning them in higher-risk areas if the conditions call for that.

“Over the past few months Fire and Emergency has provided personnel to support responses to wildfires across North America, a deployment which will help bring valuable knowledge and experience back for the upcoming season,” Megan Stiffler says.

MIL OSI