FENZ has been granted a two-week extension to the implementation of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order (No 3) 2021.

The extension means our members affected by the mandatory health Order now have until 29 November 2021 to receive their first vaccination and 14 January 2022 to receive their second vaccination.

This week the NZPFU reached out to relevant Ministers and publicly called for an extension to be granted to ensure the level and standards of response could be maintained.  We warned that FENZ would not be able to maintain response from the original deadline of 15 November due to a failure of planning and with high levels of undeclared vaccination status in career and volunteer firefighters.

The extension is a short reprieve but now FENZ must involve our representatives and SMES to get the necessary planning for reduced career and volunteer firefighters responding, and any impact in community risk and reduction.

Members are reminded that if their role is affected by the mandatory Order they are required to provide their vaccination status to FENZ as soon as practicable as well as any update of that status.

We will now discuss with FENZ on how this extension affects the process and timelines for FENZ to undertake the necessary consultation with unvaccinated members on any other work or alternative arrangements. We will keep members updated.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary