The Union has just become aware that Martin-Jenkins has been given a $58,000 contract to undertake a strategic review of Emergency Incident Reporting.

Even though this review needs members’ input, not surprisingly the Union was never consulted or informed of the review.

Martin-Jenkins, a prominent receiver of large amounts of public money for so-called consulting work, is headed by two principals – Doug Martin and Kevin Jenkins.

Both were right at the forefront of the disgraceful events on the late 1990s that resulted in the sacking of every professional firefighter in New Zealand.

Doug Martin was Deputy Chairperson of the Commission at the time and was a lead-off witness for the Commission in the Employment Court case that found convincingly against the Commission and ruled the sackings unlawful.

Kevin Jenkins, as a consultant, was employed by the Commission as the lead negotiator to push the Commission’s demand that a 56 hour week be accepted.

Both are no friends of firefighters and it is extremely concerning that – at a cost of $58,000 – they are back involved.

This can lead to nothing good for firefighters.

Consequently, Union members are instructed to have no involvement with Martin-Jenkins.