Late last week the Union was approached and asked if we were prepared to release up to 5 MAN Appliances to attend the sudden catastrophe in Edgecumbe.        

After some discussion and consideration, it was agreed between the parties that the release could take place on the following basis:

• no vehicle would be used for firefighting.
• all units remain ‘blacked’ in an operational sense to Auckland Firefighters.
• that the agreed testing of all the Auckland fleet will occur.
• this release was “without prejudice”.

Given the large scale flooding and disruption that has occurred to the Edgecumbe community, the Union sees the release in this instance as a gesture of good will, and doing what is right under the circumstances.

We are also comfortable with the utilisation of Auckland Firefighters to participate in the disaster relief for this unfortunate event.