National Headquarters
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
National Headquarters
Spark Central, Level 7
42-52 Wil is Street
Wel ington Central
Wel ington 6011
Phone +64 4 496 3600
25 August 2025
Ref: 18765
Alan Thompson
[FYI request #31672 email]
Tēnā koe Alan
Thank you for your request of 21 July 2025 to Fire and Emergency New Zealand requesting the
following information under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
1. Were there any other assets or critical infrastruture other than the shipping container
dwel ing lost during the Port Hil s (2024) fire that were not recorded in the Annual Report
and the Operational Report?
The Fire Investigation Report notes multiple owners lost property, equipment, vegetation and
infrastructure. Fire and Emergency is not aware of any other assets or critical infrastructure that
were lost during the 2024 Port Hills fire. Media reported on power outages in Christchurch as a
result of soot affected transmission lines, but these were not considered to be a loss.
2. If there were other assets lost that were at risk as reported, was FENZ aware of these and
what steps were taken to protect them?
During the suppression efforts several homes were identified as being at risk. The Incident
Management Team established for this incident were supported by the region coordination centre
who coordinated with the Christchurch City Council, Civil Defence and Emergency Management,
and New Zealand Police. As information became available it was added to the Intel lead to ensure
the Incident Commander could consider this in their forward planning
.
Significant efforts were also made to protect power pylons in the initial fire development path and
when the wind shifted, efforts were made to protect property and infrastructure on Marley’s Hill.
Due to fire conditions, darkness, resources, and access issues, not everything could be protected.
There were fewer than six wooden power poles replaced due to age and exterior charring. All
Pylons were inspected and found not to have any damage post inspection by Transpower.
Throughout the incident the IMT worked closely with al stakeholders including Orion and
Transpower.
We trust that the information being provided is of assistance. If you require further information,
please email [FENZ request email]
Nāku noa, nā
Aidan Saunders
Manager, Information Requests
