It has come to the attention of the Taupo Local that Kinloch Fire Brigade is now being used more often as backup for Taupo Station as either standby crew or as backup to Taupo crews when responding to an incident.

The Taupo Local’s concerns are that Kinloch has responded short crew, and this also can be without an Officer in Charge of the Kinloch appliance. I refer members to NZFS Policy on short crewing.

On arrival at Taupo Station when responded short crew, Kinloch are now expecting to either cross man the Taupo appliances or expecting the Taupo staff to man the Kinloch appliance with the Kinloch crew members.

This raises several Health and Safety concerns for the Taupo Local and to ensure our members’ wellness and wellbeing, the Local issues the following:

“No member of the Taupo Local of the NZPFU is to allow the cross manning by Kinloch Volunteers of any Taupo appliances, nor will any member of the Taupo Local be expected to cross man the Kinloch appliance when responded as cover for Taupo Station.”

Crews need to be aware that, at times, the Kinloch appliance will be responded to back up Taupo crews at incidents. If Kinloch has responded short crewed and/or without an Officer for their appliance, Taupo members of the NZPFU will need to ensure they are fully manned. If not, they need to consider making additional coverage arrangements when this occurs.

This notice will remain in effect until further notice.