Fire and Emergency New Zealand is facing fresh calls for a major leadership and operational overhaul following the immediate resignation of Chief Executive Kerry Gregory, with the firefighters’ union demanding that his controversial restructuring plans be reconsidered.
Gregory resigned on Friday, October 23, following weeks of mounting pressure after Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden publicly declared she had lost confidence in his leadership.
The resignation comes amid serious questions over the management of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), the reliability of its ageing firefighting fleet, workplace safety, staffing levels and an unresolved industrial dispute.
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) says Gregory’s departure must mark the beginning of fundamental change across the organisation, rather than simply a change of personnel at the top.
Minister’s Loss of Confidence Forces Leadership Change
FENZ Board Chair Raveen Jaduram confirmed Gregory had resigned with immediate effect, acknowledging that the Minister’s public declaration of no confidence had made his continued leadership untenable.
The Board thanked Gregory for his 36 years of service, including his extensive career as an operational firefighter.
His departure follows concerns about information relating to the administration of FENZ’s levy system, a matter referred to the Serious Fraud Office for assessment.
The Minister had previously raised concerns about information being withheld from her, prompting serious questions about transparency and accountability within the organisation.
The referral does not itself establish wrongdoing, and no finding of criminal misconduct has been reported.
Firefighters Demand Gregory’s Restructuring Plans Be Reversed
The NZPFU has responded strongly, arguing that Gregory’s resignation should trigger a comprehensive review of the direction taken under his leadership.
The union wants the FENZ Board to reconsider restructuring proposals it believes would reduce frontline firefighting capacity, weaken community risk prevention programmes and divert attention from emergency response.
Among its concerns are proposals affecting career firefighter numbers and changes to community safety initiatives, including reductions to domestic smoke alarm installation programmes.
The union argues that resources should be redirected towards frontline operations, firefighter safety, reliable equipment and the communities firefighters are employed to protect.
It has also called for scrutiny of the senior leadership decisions and processes that supported the restructuring programme.
Ageing Fire Trucks, Unsafe Stations and Staffing Concerns
The resignation follows a highly critical parliamentary select committee examination of FENZ’s firefighting fleet.
The committee raised concerns about the organisation’s handling of operational information and its ability to provide clear, reliable answers about the state of its equipment.
The NZPFU says firefighters have been left dealing with ageing and unreliable appliances, inadequate maintenance, unsafe stations and staffing pressures that could compromise emergency responses.
The union has also highlighted concerns about earthquake-prone fire stations, asbestos exposure and shortcomings in operational training facilities.
It argues that these problems have increased the risks faced by frontline firefighters and the communities relying on them.
These are allegations and assessments advanced by the union, although the parliamentary scrutiny has separately raised substantial questions about fleet management and organisational accountability.
Pay Dispute Adds to Mounting Pressure
The leadership crisis is unfolding against the backdrop of a continuing industrial dispute between FENZ and professional firefighters.
The NZPFU says its members have gone three years without a pay increase and has criticised a proposed 2.2 percent increase, compared with a 2.4 percent adjustment for other FENZ employees.
The union believes the approach reflects a failure to recognise the pressures facing frontline emergency personnel.
FENZ has previously defended its organisational change process, saying it has engaged extensively with unions and believes structural reform is necessary.
Acting Chief Executive Darryl Purdy has acknowledged significant disagreement with unions over the proposed changes, which have also been challenged through the Employment Relations Authority.
What Happens Next for Fire and Emergency?
With Gregory gone, the focus now shifts to the FENZ Board and its willingness to address the concerns raised by firefighters, Parliament and the Minister.
Darryl Purdy remains Acting Chief Executive, while Megan Stiffler continues as National Commander.
The NZPFU is seeking a meeting with the Board to discuss the organisation’s future direction, including how resources can be better allocated to frontline services and emergency response.
For communities across Aotearoa, including rural and isolated areas where volunteer and career firefighters provide essential emergency services, the wider debate raises important questions about the resilience and readiness of the national fire service.
Gregory’s resignation may resolve the immediate leadership dispute, but it leaves FENZ confronting deeper challenges involving workforce relations, operational safety, governance and public confidence.
The central question now is whether a change at the top will lead to meaningful reform throughout Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
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