Forest owners are calling for a broader review of Fire and Emergency New Zealand as the Government considers changes to how the national fire service is funded.
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association and Federated Farmers have written to Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden seeking an independent review of FENZ, arguing the current system needs closer scrutiny nearly a decade after the organisation was established.
The call comes as the Minister confirms a review of the insurance-based levy that provides most of FENZ’s funding.
Forest owners say the funding model raises fairness concerns for rural landowners, forestry businesses and others who already invest heavily in fire prevention, training, equipment and response capability.
They argue that while FENZ provides critical emergency services, rural and forestry communities often carry significant costs themselves to reduce fire risk and protect land, workers, assets and nearby communities.
The sector says a narrow review of levy settings will not be enough if wider questions about FENZ’s structure, performance and rural response capability are left untouched.
Forest owners want the review to consider whether the current model properly recognises the role of rural firefighters, volunteers, landowners and forestry crews who are frequently first responders during vegetation and wildfire events.
The debate comes as climate change, extreme weather and drier conditions increase the risk of major fires across parts of Aotearoa.
For Māori landowners, iwi forestry interests and rural communities, the issue is also about protecting whenua, livelihoods and long-term investment in land-based industries.
Forest owners say any future funding system must be fair, transparent and sustainable, while ensuring FENZ has the resources and local knowledge needed to respond effectively in both urban and rural environments.
The Government is expected to consider the levy system ahead of new funding arrangements, with rural groups pushing for a wider conversation about how fire and emergency services are governed, funded and delivered.
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