The Local recognises that there are situations where a Union member may decide to offer their time, experience, and qualifications to their local communities by joining a small urban or rural Volunteer Fire Brigade. 

Union members that choose to do so will not be actively discouraged, providing the volunteer brigade is one that is unlikely to come into regular contact with neighbouring career brigades.

The Union recognises the benefits that a career member can have to these small volunteer units that may struggle to provide a service to their communities without career back-up.  Having a career member that is available to respond to emergencies, and to assist with training and up-skilling of the volunteer brigade members through a structured training regime, bringing exposure to career training, skills and experience, is a huge asset for these small communities.

Members are reminded, however, that Union Rule A.5.9.1 explicitly states that a dispensation, in writing, must be requested by a member to join a volunteer brigade. This dispensation shall be made to the Union Secretary, through the Local, setting out the reasons why such a dispensation should be granted.

In order to ensure compliance of the Union Rules and continued membership, can all members that are also volunteers please write to the Auckland Office via email (Auckland@nzpfu.org.nz), outlining their request for a dispensation and the reasons why.

Failure to request such dispensation will place a member in direct breach of the Union Rules, which will require following up by the Local Committee.

Members should also ensure that their Area Manager is advised of their dual membership to ensure that authorisation is obtained so that disciplinary action will not be forthcoming if the member is unable to attend their career shift due to attendance at any volunteer incident.

Additionally, members need to be aware that any response to emergency incidents for FENZ, either career or volunteer, will have implications on their hours of work, including the Fatigue Management Policy and Driving Regulation exceptions. 

If any member has any queries around the contents of this notice, please contact one of the Local Committee Executives.