FENZ’S complete disrespect for NZPFU members and disregard for their wellbeing was evidenced by their announcement yesterday of pay increases for everyone but NZPFU members.
Yesterday’s announcement vindicates the NZPFU’s outright refusal of FENZ’s prior dismal offer. It will only serve to fuel the anger against FENZ senior leadership and bolster the resolve to keep fighting for fair wages and safe systems of work.
Yesterday FENZ announced a 2.4% percent pay increase for those covered by a remuneration review process. This is the annual public sector remuneration review where FENZ is provided, by consultants Korn Ferry, with analysis of wage movement at specified pay points against a designated peer group of other employers.
FENZ’s 2.4% offer exceeds the offer NZPFU members rejected. The market rate vindicates NZPFU members' outright rejection of FENZ’s previous offer.
In July 2025, a year into bargaining, FENZ offered NZPFU members a 2% wage increase from 1 July 2025, a 1.5% percent increase from July 2026 and a 1.5% percent wage increase from 1 July 2027, provided it was ratified by the end of July and with no pay adjustment for the 2024-2025 year where our members had not received any pay increase and a complete refusal for any backpay. Our members emphatically refused that offer.
The NZPFU has not been provided the data behind yesterday’s announcement, but we know that there have been recent public sector settlements that have included up to 7% increases, some with backdating, and large one-off payments.
FENZ has disrespected our members by refusing to table a new offer, or even come to the bargaining table to try and further negotiations.
The NZPFU has repeatedly asked FENZ to come back to bargaining to present a new offer. CE Kerry Gregory claimed in early March 2026 that they were were was working up a new offer. For more background click here.
We believe the manner in which this announcement was made, in conjunction with the refusal to present its new offer in bargaining, is retaliation for the Union’s successful campaign into the dire state of the fire service. The incompetence and mismanagement of the fleet leaving firefighters stranded en route and at incidents, has resulted in the current Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry which is about to wrap up this month. FENZ CE Kerry Gregory, Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler, replaced Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan and DCE Corporate Services Darryl Purdy have been held to account for failing to be able to provide timely, accurate and clear information to the Committee and Parliament prior to and during the inquiry.
During the Inquiry, DCE Asset and Programme Delivery Sarah Sinclar – whose role includes responsibility for the fleet – and the fleet manager both tendered their resignations.
NZPFU members will take their 45th one-hour strike this Wednesday from 12 noon with notified one-hour strikes from 12 noon on Friday, and Wednesday and Friday for the next two weeks.
For more information on the strike events go to www.direemergency.nz/events
GISBORNE OFFICIALLY GOES TO TWO CREWS
Gisborne has officially raised firefighter crewing from 6 to 8 on shift. Gisborne now has the protection of two career crews on shift 24/7.
The Gisborne Local is to be congratulated, as they have battled for safer staffing for nearly two decades. In 2013 the Fire Service committed to the two crews but never followed through. FENZ has dragged its feet despite compelling business cases that included significant impact on the wellbeing of our members.
The impact on the NZPFU members and the volunteers, to be constantly available to support their colleagues to ensure trucks are deployed with safe staffing cannot be overstated.
The Local celebrated this hard-fought for win on Monday.
This is a massive win for the Gisborne community who can rest a little easier knowing there are 8 career firefighters on station 24/7.
In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary
