Dear Fire and Emergency New Zealand,

In the recent media interview with Radio New Zealand Nine to Noon (29 May 2025), the Chief Executive was asked the question “I'm talking about previous complainants who may well, in the wake of this report, believe, well, they do believe, but may now have confidence that there would have been failings found with respect to their investigations. Are you open to re-opening those investigations?”

In response, the Chief Executive stated "“Well, like I said, the avenues open to them is through the fairway process and also through the independent disputes resolution service process, if they haven't been through that.

So there's a number of processes open to them in that regard.”

Since the findings of the Coral Shaw Review into workplace bullying and harassment were accepted in 2019, could you please publish an explanation of:

1. The processes provided for people dissatisfied with the handling or outcome of complaints about bullying, harassment or sexual harm to appeal the results, applicable to:
a. permanent members of staff (firefighters and non-firefighters)
b. volunteers
c. contractors or temporary staff

- If the processes were changed during the period from 2019 to date, please identify the reason for the changes, and provide explanations of the processes that were applied during each time period they were in force (with dates of the applicable period).

2. What steps were taken since 2019 to ensure all complainants were made fully aware of their options for appealing the outcome or handling of their complaint, if they were dissatisfied?

Yours faithfully,

J Price