Volunteers, off duty career firefighters, 111 emergency call centre dispatchers, VSOs, trainers, Risk Reduction staff, and those working in health and safety can all kick back and relax today as the NZPFU has called off today’s strike.

The NZPFU has decided to withdraw the full stoppage that would have commenced for one hour from 12 noon today (26 December 2025).

We acknowledge it is Boxing Day and for those not rostered to work today it is an important opportunity to be with family and friends.  The withdrawal of the strike also means that volunteers who would feel obligated to respond during the strike can also relax.

We have had huge support from volunteers during our campaign to save NZ’s fire service and we acknowledge your dedication to serving the community.  We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy good weather and great company.

All those rostered to work will continue to protect the community today uninterrupted including all career firefighters in 19 towns and cities across the country.  Thank you for all the sacrifices you and your families make during this festive period.

The NZPFU has notified of full one-hour strikes on the 2^nd and the 9^th January 2026.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary