Today, the Chief Executives of UFBA and Volunteering New Zealand signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cement our partnership to promote, value and support volunteering in New Zealand.
This relationship will identify ways that we can work together in the future.
On Wednesday, UFBA CE Bill Butzbach and FENZ CE Kerry Gregory signed the scope to phase one of the Volunteer Engagement Model project. This historic moment demonstrates the commitment from both CEs to deliver on this important work for our volunteers.
SUBJECT: Hato Hone St John Withdrawal of Labour Industrial Action DATE: 16 August 2024 TO: Operational personnel only FROM: Steph Rotarangi, Deputy National Commander STATUS: Information only
The West Coast is one of the largest districts in NZ that is solely covered by volunteer firefighters - and more needs to be done to value our volunteers.
The UFBA has listened to membership feedback over the past few weeks regarding the FENZ consultation on the Volunteer Brigade Leader Development and Review Process.
The UFBA has been approached by members who have put forward suggestions for the UFBA’s submission on the FENZ Volunteer Brigade Leader Development and Review process consultation, which we are currently working on.
FENZ has a legal obligation to conduct local planning in accordance with Section 21 of the Fire and Emergency NZ Act. This has been a requirement since FENZ was established in 2017.
Recently, FENZ asked all Unions and Associations for Feedback on five draft eligibility and assessment policies related to the Paearu Mahi (performance criteria) project they are running. The criteria relates to personnel seeking the Assistant Fire Commander/Fire Commander ranks.
Today, FENZ started consultation on their new draft Code of Conduct – which impacts all FENZ personnel directly, as it sets out behavioural standards and is a key enabler to building a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
The UFBA is aware of concerns being raised about the introduction of GPS-based dispatching for call-outs and that there are some misinterpretations of the intentions of this FENZ project.
We are seeking expressions of interest from UFBA members to be part of the FENZ Eke Taumata Advisory Group. It’s very important that there is a strong volunteer voice in this group, as many aspects will affect volunteers.
Alongside our sector advocacy and individual advocacy services for complaints and disputes, we are also constantly working with members to advocate for operational matters.
On Wednesday 6 September, a report was issued from FENZ which shows what FENZ has done and plans to do, to address the 20 recommendations made in the Te Kawa Mataaho – Public Service Commission review (PSC report) to improve the culture of FENZ.
Over the past seven weeks, we have received a significant amount of feedback from members expressing their concerns around eligibility to attend the Emerging Leaders Conference Hui.
Last year, we gave members a heads-up about the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 coming into effect and we have been working to gather more information about how the changes might affect some of our member brigades.
Have your meeting
Time is running out to have your brigade meeting and nominate your AGM Delegate and Emerging Leader Representative.
Remember, this doesn’t need to be a formal meeting, just any gathering as long as it is minuted.
Our dedicated Events Team of three people have been working hard, calling all brigades directly, to help clarify the separation of our AGM and Conference Hui, discuss the reasoning and what our pressures are.
