Today, Te Pati Maori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer sent the attached letter of support and copied in the Minister for Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. 

“I want to acknowledge and support you in raising the alarm about the state of our fire fleet. The reports out of Whanganui, where firefighters are forced to rely on trucks 30+ years old, breaking down on the way to emergencies and even during fires are deeply concerning. No firefighter should ever be put in danger because of failing equipment, and no community should be left at risk because the tools aren’t fit for purpose.

As Union Spokesperson for Te Pāti Māori, I stand with you in calling for urgent action. While we recognise that new appliances are on order, the pace and scale simply doesn’t meet the reality on the ground. Every breakdown risks lives, undermines community trust, and takes a toll on firefighters’ morale.

You deserve safe, reliable equipment to do your jobs, and our communities deserve the assurance that when an emergency call comes, the response will be backed by the best possible resources. I will continue to advocate alongside you until this becomes the standard you can rely on.”

We really appreciate the support of Te Pati Maori and the time they have taken to understand that the few new trucks due on stations over the next couple of months won’t scratch the surface of the failing fleet.  The chassis of those trucks were parked up for years and will be out of warranty before they even arrive on station!

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary