Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reportedly proposing to cut 169 roles as it looks to shave costs.
According to the PSA union, the cuts amounted to 13% of non-firefighting staff across the country, shaving 10% of its annual budget – roughly $70 million.
Fire and Emergency NZ said the proposals in the restructure would affect around 700 roles across the organisation, resulting in the net loss of around 140 positions.
Chief Executive Kerry Gregory said no frontline firefighter positions were impacted, although some supporting functions might change.
“This proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to deliver a modern and responsive emergency service,” Gregory said.
“The primary focus is to provide a trusted service that keeps New Zealanders safe. Our dedicated team does an amazing job looking after our communities and this proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to continue doing that.
“I acknowledge this is difficult for the teams and individuals impacted. We are committed to constructively working through their feedback to ensure we get the best outcome.”
Staff were today given a consultation document, the PSA said, and told to provide feedback on the proposal within two weeks before the new structure would be confirmed.
According to the PSA, 46 of the roles proposed to be cut were in the Operational Response branch, which were “directly supporting firefighters”.
“These workers do critical work like ensuring the urgent coordination of resources for fires and other emergencies.”
The union said another 45 roles from the Prevention branch, which aimed to reduce risk and harm before emergencies occurred, were also cut. That included four wildfire specialists.
“How does that make sense when the Tongariro National Park fire shows how important it is to be prepared for such emergencies?” the union said.
FENZ had requested the Government to increase a levy from insurance premiums, which was refused. According to the PSA, 95% of the organisation’s revenue came from the levy.
The union accused the Government of “deliberately allowing the underfunding of FENZ, and ignoring the risks to New Zealanders’ lives and property”.
“Yet again, we are seeing the Government pushing through short-sighted decisions, regardless of the consequences for public safety.”
In October, thousands of professional firefighters up and down the country walked off the job, demanding better pay, conditions, and equipment.
