The Public Service Association (PSA) and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) have initiated urgent legal proceedings against Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), alleging that the agency failed to meet its collective bargaining obligations before announcing a significant workforce reduction. The unions submitted an application to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) on Nov. 17, seeking to halt FENZ’s proposed restructure, which would result in the loss of approximately 140 positions.
Union representatives argue that FENZ did not engage in the required consultation process prior to publicising its restructuring plans. Fleur Fitzsimons, national secretary for the PSA, said: “FENZ has clear obligations in the collective agreements to consult both the PSA and NZPFU about proposed changes that impact its members – not just their consequences. FENZ only provided an embargoed copy of its proposal to the PSA the day before announcing it to staff.” Fitzsimons also noted that the union made repeated requests for consultation between Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, but these were not met.
The NZPFU has highlighted that the proposed job cuts could have consequences for fire and emergency response, particularly in relation to training and support roles. NZPFU national secretary Wattie Watson commented: “The workers who face losing their jobs are all critical to ensuring firefighters access the training and support they need to respond to emergencies properly trained and resourced.” Watson also raised concerns about the broader implications for career firefighter numbers and the continuity of training and community resilience functions.
The unions are asking the ERA to determine whether FENZ has breached its collective agreement and failed to negotiate in good faith, and to issue a compliance order that would pause any implementation of the restructure until proper consultation has taken place. Fitzsimons added: “Workers at FENZ were given a 265-page consultation document and told to provide feedback within two weeks – that’s not genuine consultation; it’s a box-ticking exercise.”
FENZ announced its intention to reorganise its workforce on Nov. 14, stating that the move is designed to position the agency to meet evolving emergency service demands. The proposal, which is currently under consultation, could affect around 700 roles, with a net reduction of approximately 140 positions. Operational firefighter roles are expected to remain, but changes to support functions are being considered.
Chief executive Kerry Gregory said: “This proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to deliver a modern and responsive emergency service. The primary focus is to provide a trusted service that keeps New Zealanders safe.” Gregory also acknowledged the impact on staff and indicated that FENZ is committed to considering feedback from employees.
FENZ plans to announce the results of the consultation before the end of the year, with any changes expected to take effect in the first quarter of the following year. The agency currently employs about 14,900 people, operates 1,300 fire trucks, and oversees more than 600 stations. In the 2024/2025 financial year, FENZ responded to nearly 89,000 incidents. The majority of FENZ’s funding comes from insurance levies, with revenue for 2024/2025 reported at $796.7 million, supplemented by $41.3 million from other sources.
The government has set a 2.2% cap on the FENZ levy increase, which is collected through insurance premiums, effective July 2026. This is a reduction from the previously proposed 5.2% increase. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said the cap is intended to balance the agency’s funding requirements with the need to limit additional costs for residents. FENZ has also been directed to identify $60 million in savings over the next three years.
The insurance sector has generally supported the government’s approach. Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) chief executive Kris Faafoi said: “We know that New Zealanders are finding it tough dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, and we support the government’s move to ensure Kiwis don’t pay anything more than they have to.”
The ERA is expected to review the unions’ application in the near future. FENZ has indicated it will finalise decisions on the restructure by Dec. 17. The unions are seeking an expedited hearing to ensure that no changes are implemented before a full consultation process has been completed.
