FENZ and the NZPFU met in bargaining today for the first time in 7 months.

FENZ presented a formal offer of a 2.2% increase commencing from the date of ratification. FENZ recently handed all non-NZPFU members, including managers earning more than $200,000, a pay increase of 2.4% backdated to 1 July 2026.

In March 2026, CE Kerry Gregory wrote to the NZPFU stating FENZ was “working up a new offer”, but FENZ stated the offer made today was their position as of December 2025 (with a few minor changes).

When asked, FENZ Workplace Relations Manager Paul Stowers said that the Minister, the Public Service Commission, the Board, the new Board Chair, CE Kerry Gregory, and DCE People Janine Hearn all knew that the offer was less than paid to all non-NZPFU members, and that it had been approved.

The NZPFU then contacted new Board Chair Raveen Jaduram about the insulting offer, and he responded that he did not know the details. Mr Jaduram appeared surprised that the offer was so low. He also appeared surprised that DCE People Janine Hearn was not at the bargaining, as she is the lead for FENZ. Paul Stowers told the NZPFU he had only been told he was attending bargaining three days ago. The bargaining dates had been agreed upon for more than a month.

Other staff, including members of other unions, were handed the 2.4% paid from 1 July based on a “market rate”. Some NZPFU members do the same job as those non-unionised staff, or members of other unions, who were handed the 2.4% increase.

The message from FENZ is clear. Firefighters do not deserve a fair or reasonable pay increase, and all NZPFU members should be paid inferior terms and conditions, including wages, when compared to other staff—even those doing the same job.

The offer is insulting and confirmation that FENZ has no respect for firefighters or any other NZPFU members, judging their value purely on their union membership.

The offer does not address the serious staffing issues, the impact of a restructure, does not mention the dire state of the fleet or the recommendations of the select committee or safe systems of work, and clawbacks some current terms and conditions.

Disgustingly, FENZ wants a sunset clause on the NZPFU’s critical health monitoring programme (including reimbursements), which has already saved lives through the early detection of firefighters’ occupational cancers.

The NZPFU gave FENZ multiple opportunities today to come back into the room with a reasonable offer. The Facilitator reported that FENZ was comfortable with the NZPFU presenting the 2.2% offer to members, and that they did not have any enhancements to present. The NZPFU was then clear it was taking the offer out to members.

The Authority confirmed facilitation was now adjourned for NZPFU members to consider the offer.

The NZPFU will distribute the letter of offer when received.

The NZPFU will now organise nationwide membership meetings to vote on the offer, and ballot other options including strike action.

In unity,
NZPFU National Committee