FENZ are notifying all stations that they will no longer be in lock down - effective immediately.

Yesterday FENZ took additional precautions as a result of the unfolding terrorist attack in Christchurch and all stations were on lockdown with changed response procedures.

Standard emergency response procedures will now resume.

All members are requested to continue to be vigilant and are reminded that a heightened risk exists across NZ.

FENZ is notifying all stations and workplaces of the following:

Fire and Emergency is continuing to work with the Government’s national emergency management process (commonly known as ODESC).

Our instructions to personnel to date have been guided by this process. The latest instruction from ODESC is that each agency can make its own risk assessment around any continued lock-down.

The advice from Fire and Emergency is that stations do not need to be in lock-down, with immediate effect.

Notwithstanding that change, we ask that all personnel be aware of the heightened risk that exists at this time and take appropriate steps.

Another new directive is that all flags at Fire and Emergency stations and buildings must be lowered to half-mast until further notice.

Each region can make its own decisions around risk assessments for any community engagements in addition to BAU activity. To reiterate:

• Emergency response procedures to 111 calls remain the same
• The training team are working through all training courses scheduled for this weekend – all attendees will be contacted about whether they will proceed or not
• All non-essential activity, such as community events, open days, etc, can occur on the basis of a risk assessment undertaken by the Region

Any questions about the above instructions should in the first instance be directed to the relevant senior officer.

We would also respectively request that personnel restrict their use of social media during this time and direct any questions via the appropriate channels.

Our absolute priority is the safety of our people, and we are focused on this while maintaining an appropriate emergency response capability.

This remains a Police led event.

All members are reminded that support and assistance is available for anyone affected by the horrific events yesterday. Please do not hesitate to the NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson 021928819 or National President Ian Wright 021497448 or your Local representative should you need any assistance.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary