While the government has not said first and co-responders must be vaccinated, we acknowledge the view of some members, that this may happen. The UFBA assures members that if this occurs, we are here to support you.
Due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Australasian Police and Emergency Services (AP&ES) Games have been postponed from March 2022 until March 2023.
It’s a good start! The requirement to prove that a disease or infection is not work related will soon be back on ACC.
The UFBA Campaign demanding fairer, more equitable cover for volunteers is well underway. Thank you to the 929 members who have already completed the survey, showing 97%+ support for better ACC cover, rehabilitation and mental health support.
Tēnā koutou katoa
Our survey is now live – tell us what you think about the UFBA Volunteer Fairness and Equity Campaign.
Check your FENZ email to find your unique survey code. Please note, you can’t share the survey link, each person must have their own code.
In 2020 the UFBA Benevolent Fund Trustees put together a financial assistance package for personnel facing significant financial hardship due to the impact of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Join us this week to celebrate Te Wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week) from Rāhina 13 Mahuru – Rāmere 17 Mahuru (Monday 13th September - Friday 17th September).
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the New Zealand Fire Brigades’ Institute (NZFBI) will soon be held in Wellington.
As part of UFBA’s focus on improving fairness and equity for FENZ volunteers, we have launched the Volunteer Fairness and Equity Campaign
Then consider applying to be a Challenge Panel Member.
Fire and Emergency NZ is seeking UFBA representation on a newly established group to review the Uniform and PPE Technical Manual and the Uniform Matrix.
The New Zealand Firefighters Welfare Society is putting people at the heart of its new strategy so it can provide the best possible support to firefighters and their families.
Due to Covid-19 lock-down restrictions we're currently unable to dispatch any Fire Shop orders. Please bear with us! We'll work on clearing back-orders just as soon as we can, at the end of lock-down.
Many members will know that New Zealand banks are phasing out cheques in 2021. Our friends at Grant Thornton have put together a handy guide to help ease the transition to online banking.
Watch the video
The UFBA has made inquiries with FENZ about the possibility of recognising the 20th anniversary of the United Nations International year of the volunteer, perhaps by issuing another medal.
Kia ora/Talofa lava/Hello/Malo e lelei/Ni sa bul,
We are looking for New Zealand firefighters, both employed and voluntary members, for a research project.
UFBA welcomes new Chair for FENZ Board
Internal Affairs Rebecca Keoghan will be the first female Chair of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti announced today.
The United Fire Brigades’ Association of NZ (UFBA) are delighted to announce that Hon.
As we celebrate volunteers this week, we send a big shout out to Haumoana Volunteer Fire Brigade which celebrated its 75th Jubilee this month.
Come on New Zealand, let's back our volunteers!
The Chief of Southland’s biggest volunteer fire brigade is backing a national push for law change to cover volunteer firefighters.
Our combined North/South Road Crash Rescue Challenge featured on Seven Sharp last night.
Click on the link to watch our volunteer firefighters take on the challenge: Emergency volunteers compete against clock in staged accidents
Press release – ACC law change
Listen to this morning’s interview with Kate Hawkesby and UFBA CEO Bill Butzbach discussing the UFBA Campaign to see ACC legislation amended to include cover for volunteer firefighters injured or falling ill as a result of their FENZ duties.
“The United Fire Brigades Association (UFBA) has been a formidable force advocating for better equity between paid and volunteer firefighters for many years now,” says Bill Butzbach, Chief Executive Officer.
A new employee-led initiative aims to increase the visibility, inclusion and participation of people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics in Fire and Emergency.
For many people in fire brigades around the country, involvement in Fire and Emergency involves not only community but family connections – whether it’s parent and ‘child’, siblings or extended whānau.
We are delighted that five of our colleagues were awarded Queen's Birthday Honours this weekend for their services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Provincials (and Sub-Associations) play a vital role in support of firefighters
Kia ora koutou
The New Zealand Fire Brigades' Institute is running a series of field days in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch where you can see behind the scenes at the Fire Communications Centres. See the flyer below for more information
