After years of lobbying, and a recent battle to prevent unsafe crewing, the NZPFU is pleased to announce the Levin community will soon be protected with a professional career crew.

The establishment of a career crew to support the volunteers to meet the risk and needs of growing Levin and the surrounding Horowhenua communities.

FENZ have advised they will be advertising for a Senior Station Officer-led yellow watch crew next week.  The NZPFU encourages members to apply.

The NZPFU applauds the Palmerston North membership for holding the line to thwart FENZ’s initial plan to breach safe staffing by only employing one officer and one firefighter to be stationed at Levin.   It is through their solidarity in refusing to apply for the advertised two-person crew that the yellow watch crew has been achieved. Click here for more information on the reasons for refusing the proposed unsafe crewing and https://www.pressreader.com/ for previous media coverage.

NZPFU National President Ian Wright, Palmerston North Local President Tony Sealey, Vice President Ian Spiers and Secretary Creagh Eising are congratulated for this achievement.  They have worked with FENZ and the volunteer brigade representatives, in particular Manawatu/Horowhenua Group Manager Chris Faithful, to ensure the transition to a professional career yellow watch would meet the needs of the Levin Community while supporting the volunteer brigade.  The decision to establish a yellow watch came after the NZPFU provided FENZ with a comprehensive case for a career crew in Levin.  Wellington Local Secretary Alan Collett, President Clarke Townsley and Central Branch Secretary Rob Hutchison assisted with the evidence to underpin that case.    

The establishment of a yellow watch is a pragmatic and necessary result which includes a review of staffing levels in 12 months.

There will be some adjustments to the Levin station to facilitate the yellow watch and a new station will be built in a few years.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary