Update

FENZ Consulting on Proposed Restructure

Issue date:
3 December 2025 - Reminder Consultation Closes Wed 10 Dec
Kia ora members, just a reminder that consultation on the FENZ restructure closes next week on Wednesday 10 December. 
We encourage members to consider what is important to you in the new structure, what will you need to continue to effectively serve your communities, and what should be prioritised?
Members are also encouraged to send your feedback to the UFBA for consideration in our submission by emailing connect@ufba.org.nz  
 
21 November 2025 - FENZ Extends Consultation Timeline
Fire and Emergency CE, Kerry Gregory has just announced that the consultation on the restructure has been extended to close on 10 December.
We are advised that this is due to initial feedback asking for more time to process the significant proposal document. This echoes what we have been hearing from our members too.
Kerry has also extended the decision announcement date to 29 January 2026. 
We know this extension provides some members relief to ensure they can prepare an informed and thoroughly considered submission, but we also recognise the impact this uncertainty may have on many people going into the summer break.
We continue to encourage our members to share their feedback with us to feed into the UFBA's submission connect@ufba.org.nz 
 
13 November 2025 - FENZ Opens Consultation on Proposed Restructure
Yesterday afternoon, FENZ Chief Executive released the restructure consultation document, which proposes significant changes to the organisation.
The UFBA has received a copy of this document and we understand there is a tremendous human cost to this change.
We will be looking carefully at the proposal and making a submission through the consultation process. We encourage all members to do the same, either directly to FENZ and/or send your feedback to connect@ufba.org.nz to feed into the UFBA's submission.
Consultation information available on the FENZ portal - https://portal.fireandemergency.nz/.../consultation-open.../
Over the years, the UFBA team has worked closely with many of those in the proposed affected, impacted, and disestablished roles. Change is always hard. We are thinking of you all in this difficult time. If you're feeling affected by this process, please reach out to take advantage of the wellbeing services that FENZ offers.
Kia kaha, kia kotahi ra 
Our strength is our unity