Vale former Whangarei Union Secretary Chris 'Picko' Pickering
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chris 'Picko' Pickering, who has died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chris 'Picko' Pickering, who has died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
The NZPFU and FENZ met for bargaining over three days this week.
The discussions were meaningful.
It was refreshing to be able to have intelligent and thoughtful discussions which was in stark contrast to the first 12 months of bargaining
where some FENZ representatives were disinterested, disrespectful and out of their depth.
NZPFU has now issued notices for one-hour full stoppages/strikes from 12 noon for Friday the 7th and Friday the 14th November.
This notice is about the impact of FENZ’s mismanagement on the state of the fire service from a career staff perspective. We acknowledge the service and dedication of volunteers and their brigades and that they too are facing a Dire Emergency. The NZPFU has been inundated with calls from volunteers seeking support and advocacy as they struggle with failing appliances, increased demands on their time and failing mental health due to the impacts of emergency response.
31 OCTOBER STRIKE WITHDRAWN
7 NOVEMBER STRIKE NOTIFIED
Yesterday, the NZPFU and FENZ met in mediation.
The NZPFU and Fire and Emergency met in mediation today which was part of the facilitation application process.
The Parties have agreed to reconvene bargaining for the 3rd, 4th and 5th November 2025 in Christchurch.
I declare Phillip Swatridge elected to the position of Timaru Local President.
More than 100,000 workers and supporters are expected to gather at rallies and events from Kaitaia to Hokonui/Gore this Thursday 23 October 2025 as the pressure mounts on the Government to address the serious systemic issues in the health, education and emergency service sectors.
Today media has covered a story featuring FENZ Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler as claiming the Employment Relations Authority has
accepted the need for urgent facilitation for the NZPFU FENZ bargaining.
That is not true. There is no order for facilitation. FENZ must withdraw that false statement immediately.
With heavy hearts NZPFU members walk off the job for one hour today in a bid to get FENZ back to the bargaining table.
Firefighters, 111 fire emergency dispatchers, volunteer support officers, trainers, those working in community resilience and risk
reduction, those working in health, safety and wellbeing and other roles will walk away from their jobs and take their fight for safe
systems of work and fair terms and conditions of employment to the streets.
ONE HOUR STRIKE TOMORROW AT 12 NOON
NOTICE GIVEN OF A ONE HOUR STRIKE ON 31 OCTOBER
NZPFU members very reluctantly walk off the job for an hour tomorrow as FENZ continue to refuse to bargain.
Sadly as FENZ is refusing to bargain, and has not provided a new offer, tomorrow’s strike at noon will go ahead.
Yesterday afternoon (Monday) the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) set down a timetable for FENZ’s urgent application for facilitation of bargaining. The ERA member has directed parties to try and resolve the issue of facilitation in mediation to be held before 28 October 2025. The mediation is solely about FENZ’s application for facilitation and if the parties resolve the matter at mediation FENZ’s application for facilitation will be withdrawn.
The NZPFU Auckland Local is providing this update to ensure members have clear and accurate information regarding the recent asbestos testing and subsequent actions at Auckland City Fire Station.
Come and support our strike action – be there before 12 noon start and picket with the NZPFU members for an hour. Approximately 2,000
members are walking away from fire stations and workplaces for one hour from 12 noon on 17 October 2025.
FENZ is refusing to meet to bargain with the NZPFU or provide a new offer they say they have. We have no option but to take strike action.
The NZPFU will be seeking an independent inquiry into how firefighters and other FENZ staff were again exposed to asbestos at Auckland City Station. Our members should not be repeatedly, and avoidably, contaminated in their workplace.
FENZ management have issued instructions that firefighters wearing NZPFU t-shirts instead of FENZ t-shirts are not to undertake usual fire
safety duties including installing smoke alarms and school visits.
This is a shockingly petty call by FENZ management to try and pressure firefighters at the expense of necessary fire safety
programmes that particularly benefit children and the elderly.
An election for the Timaru Local President position shall be conducted by electronic voting commencing at 0900 (9am) Monday 6 October 2025 and closes 1700 (5pm) Friday 17 October 2025.