Labour is promising an independent review of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s funding and operations if elected, arguing firefighters need safer equipment, stronger support and a funding model capable of meeting growing emergency demands.
Labour internal affairs spokesperson Lemauga Lydia Sosene says the review would examine whether FENZ has the resources and operational settings required to protect firefighters and respond effectively to emergencies.
The announcement follows sustained debate over the state of FENZ, including concerns raised by firefighters about ageing equipment, delayed upgrades, staffing and the organisation’s leadership. Labour claims the Government has reduced FENZ funding by $50 million a year while increasing remuneration for the FENZ Board. Those figures form part of Labour’s political case for the review.
Labour is also promising to extend presumptive occupational cancer cover for firefighters, which would make it easier for eligible firefighters diagnosed with specified cancers to access support without first having to establish that their illness resulted from firefighting.
The party would also adopt Labour MP Kieran McAnulty’s Accident Compensation (Extended Cover for FENZ Personnel) Amendment Bill as government policy. The bill was introduced in July and seeks to ensure volunteer FENZ personnel receive the same ACC treatment as paid firefighters for personal injuries suffered while carrying out FENZ work.
Sosene says firefighters face dangerous conditions while protecting communities and Labour believes both career and volunteer crews need greater protection.
The policy puts the future funding, leadership and resourcing of New Zealand’s fire service firmly into the 2026 election campaign, as political parties face questions over how FENZ should be funded and equipped for the years ahead.
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