Yesterday’s notice (below) from District Commander Mackereth once again highlights the dire state of the Fire and Emergency fleet. 

There are currently NO relief aerials available in the country to replace the Parnell aerial that has suffered a steering malfunction. 

This is on top of the Ellerslie Type 4 aerial that also is broken and currently being replaced with just a pump. 

This leaves New Zealand’s largest city with a population of 1.8 million people with just ONE heavy aerial. In the 1980’s Auckland was protected by FIVE of these specialist life saving fire trucks. 

Officers are reminded that if in their opinion using their skills, training and experience, that an aerial appliance is required straight away then they should call for one immediately. 

The lives of firefighters and the public shall NOT be jeopardised due to the failings and incompetence of Senior Fire and Emergency Management. 

Instructions, such as below, do nothing but instil a lack of confidence in District Management that constantly refuses to stand up for their firefighters and the public that they are supposed to serve. 

Fire and Emergency has failed to undertake local planning, ensuring to keep up with increasing populations and urban sprawl. 

Emergency incidents are now taking longer and longer for fire trucks to arrive at because FENZ has failed to employ additional career firefighters or build additional fire stations. 

111 emergency call centres are critically understaffed with sometimes only 2 on duty covering the majority of the population of New Zealand. 

This is symptomatic of an organisation that has lost its way and forgotten the reason that it exists, to respond to New Zealanders worst days in a timely manner, protecting life, property and the environment. 

Restricted Movements – Type 6

Effective Immediately:
Auckland City 205 is to respond only to confirmed fires until further notice.

Background:
Parnell 255 remains unavailable due to rear steering issues. Workshops is still awaiting parts

Rationale:
We must ensure the operational readiness of the only available heavy aerial appliance serving Tāmaki Makaurau.

To preserve its availability, restrictions will apply to Auckland City 205, including limitations on routine activities and training.This does not restrict Refuelling, Appliance and Aerial checks. 

Next Steps:
This restriction will remain in place until Parnell 255 is back in service. At that time, this notice will be rescinded.

Ngā mihi | Kind Regards

Vaughan Mackereth (he/him/tāne)
District Manager | Kaiwhakahaere Takiwā 
GIFireE, PG Dip Emergency Mgmt
Auckland City District (District 15), 40 Pitt Street, Newton
PO Box 68646, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142