Officer of the NZ Order of Merit recipient Brenda Pilott thanked for service to New Zealand’s fire brigade members

United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) Independent Appointed Director Brenda Pilott has retired from her position on the UFBA Board.

With her appointment due to end in several months’ time, UFBA Chair Richie Smith acknowledges her wealth of knowledge gained from a lifetime of service and executive positions in the public sector, recognised through her recent Order of Merit. Brenda was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s New Years’ Honours list.

“Since 2018, UFBA has greatly benefited from her dedication, professionalism and support through our period of growth and change, said Richie.

“With her considerable experience and skill, Brenda has notably contributed to the development of our modernised constitution, our urgent adaptations under Covid-19, and the merger between the UFBA and Forest and Rural Fire Association NZ (FRFANZ).

“Brenda made her decision over the Christmas period and let me know that she’ll be taking time to enjoy her retirement with family and explore other pursuits.

“We were also very grateful for her passionate representation of the Newlands Volunteer Fire Brigade, which the UFBA successfully advocated for its retention, recognising the critical importance brigades play in local communities.

”In the meantime, the Board have worked on the appointment and onboarding of a new Independent Director. The Board and I are committed to continuing the good work of the UFBA.”

We advise members that there are no further changes to the Board. An announcement will be made of the new appointee in due course. 

The UFBA Board