NZ Rural Fire Authority
About the NRFA
The National Rural Fire Authority is responsible for coordinating the rural fire management activities of New Zealand. These activities include:
- Regional rural fire coordination
- Rural Fire Authority (RFA) audits
- Rural fire management training
- Monitoring fire danger conditions throughout the country
- Administering the Rural Fire Fighting Fund
- Providing technical advice
- Providing grants to Rural Fire Authorities
- Performance Assessments of RFA's
Rural Fire Fighting in New Zealand
Rural fire fighting in New Zealand is carried out by a force of 3,000 volunteers and part-time firefighters. These volunteers and part-time firefighters belong to 86 Rural Fire Authorities. The RFAs consist of Territorial Local Authorities, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force, and Rural Fire District committees. Members of the RFAs sit on the 14 Regional Rural Fire Committees. The RRFCs promote regional co-ordination and co-operation, provide advice, and assistance for the activities of the NRFA.
The majority of costs for rural firefighting may be met by a Rural Firefighting Fund (RFFF) grant. Claims for firefighting costs are assessed and a grant provided by the NRFA. In order to receive a RFFF grant, the RFA must have an operative fire plan and meet the requirements of the Fire Service Act and Forest and Rural Fires Act.
For more information, visit the National Rural Fire Authority website.