OIA21640 Wilson Appendix Four RELEASE.pdf

Daily Media Log 13 February 2026
Media responses overnight (1)
Fleet: NZPFU comments about aerial trucks
Kim Baker Wilson from RNZ requested a response to the NZPFU’s claims that Rotorua,
Hamilton, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, and Gisborne’s aerials were all out of service.
RESPONSE: Please attribute to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson:
It is not true that four Type 4 aerial trucks are out of action.
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Rotorua’s aerial is back in service.
Gisborne’s aerial is in the workshop getting a minor issue fixed but available for response if
required. For scheduled services and minor repairs , we generally make  arrangements  that if a
truck in the workshop overnight it will be left in an operational state so the station can use it if
needed. Similarly, if they need it during the day the workshop will endeavour to stop what they
are doing and make it available.
Palmerston North is undergoing a scheduled service and will be available again tomorrow.
New Plymouth’s Type 4 aerial is in the workshop getting an intermittent electrical issue
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diagnosed and repaired.
It’s important to understand that we have 16 operational aerial appliances the same type as the
Rotorua aerial, that get a proactive service 4 times a year.  These services typically take 1-3 days
each, plus any time for repairs.  This means on average there is a Type 4 in the workshop for a
proactive service for about 2.5 days for every week of the year.  This is good maintenance
practice, and demonstrates our investment in looking after our fleet.
We have a fleet of around 1300 trucks and we take a network approach to our fleet
management, so we can provide relief or alternative vehicles whenever and wherever they
are needed. During incidents, our dispatching procedures enable us to call out the next
available truck if the nearest truck is attending another call or is unavailable for any other
reason, like scheduled maintenance or repair work.
Our firefighters are trained to use a range of tactics for different types of incidents. This means
that if one particular type of fire truck is unavailable, they can adapt their tactics to the
resources that they have.
Our firefighting truck fleet is an important asset and Fire and Emergency is investing more than
$20 million per year over the next three years upgrading the fleet and $12.5 million on new heavy
aerials.
It is also important to note the NZPFU is currently taking industrial action over their collective
employment agreement.
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Daily Media Log 10 February 2026 .docx

Fleet: Taupō-nui-a-Tia College fire truck breakdown
Tom Eley from NZME asked questions about truck breakdowns during the response to this fire.
RESPONSE: Please attribute the following responses to Deputy National Commander
Megan Stiffler:
1.  What is the average age of FENZ’s frontline and aerial fleet?
The average age of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s appliance fleet is approximately 17 years
old (this excludes appliances that are owned by brigades). The average age of our aerial
appliance fleet it approximately 22 years old. We acknowledge we have an ageing fleet which
we inherited when we formed eight years ago.
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Our firefighting truck fleet is an important asset and Fire and Emergency is investing more than
$20 million per year over the next three years upgrading the fleet.  Supply contracts are in place
to continue to order suitable replacement fleet as we work towards resolving the challenge
around our aged fleet, although we acknowledge this will take some time. 60 firefighting trucks
are currently on order, including five new heavy aerial trucks scheduled for delivery this year
which will replace the older aerial appliances in the fleet.
Additional information about fleet:
•  Fire and Emergency has a fleet of around 1300 firefighting trucks deployed across
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over 620 fire stations nationwide.
•  Since being established in 2017, 317 new appliances have been put into operational
service.
•  We have taken delivery of another 20 new trucks which we are currently fitting out
and getting ready for service, and, as above, we have a further 60 on order.
2.  How does FENZ prioritise maintenance and replacement of ageing appliances?
All our trucks are maintained in a fully operational condition regardless of age.
We have a proactive servicing regime for all trucks and replace any worn parts as required to
keep them at an operational standard. These are large, complicated vehicles but they are
well maintained, safe, certified, and legally compliant.
3.  How common is it for frontline or aerial appliances to be unavailable due to
mechanical faults?
We don’t keep that specific information, however like any large fleet operator we take a network
approach to our fleet management, so we can provide relief vehicles whenever and wherever
they are needed. During incidents, our dispatching procedures enable us to call out the next
available truck if the nearest truck is attending another call or is unavailable for any other
reason, like scheduled maintenance or repair work.
4.  Are there any planned upgrades or replacements for appliances servicing the
central North Island, including Taupō?
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New Type 3 trucks are going to Rotorua, Hamilton, Greerton (Tauranga), Palmerston North,
Milson (Palmerston North, Napier, Hastings, Whanganui and New Plymouth. A new Type 1 4WD
is going to National Park.

5.  Does FENZ believe its current funding level is sufficient to meet operational
demands during large-scale incidents?
Like any organisation, we work within financial constraints and make risk-based decisions
about how resources are deployed. Our operating model is designed to respond to incidents of
all sizes, including large-scale events, by scaling and drawing on resources from across the
country when required.
6.  How does FENZ’s current budget impact the maintenance, availability, and
replacement of frontline and aerial appliances?
We spend approximately $20 million per year on maintaining our trucks and have maintenance
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contracts currently set up across the country to ensure that proactive and reactive repairs and
maintenance can be done cost effectively whilst minimising the impact on our service delivery.
We are also spending $20 million each year over three years to upgrade the fleet and $12.5
million on new aerials.
7.  Under what circumstances are firefighters required to work on roofs, and how are
risks managed when aerial support is delayed or unavailable?
Firefighters are trained in working at heights in firefighting conditions which includes training in
working safely at heights and working with ladders. This training is combined with the
application of the Safe Person Concept and Dynamic Risk Assessment, which are integral to our
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operations.
8.  Does FENZ consider roof-based firefighting a last-resort tactic?
No, it is not a last resort, Firefighters can apply a range of tactics, including using hoses at height
to direct water onto a fire. Doing this from an aerial appliance or from a roof are both tactics
which an Incident Commander may consider, depending on the circumstances, the type of
incident and the resources available.

Fleet: Taupō-nui-a-Tia College fire truck breakdown
Paora Manuel from Stuff asked questions about truck breakdowns during the response to this
fire.
RESPONSE: Attributed to Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler:
Yesterday Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to a large fire which occurred at Taupō-
nui-a-Tia College. Firefighters from Lake Taupō, Taupō, Kinloch, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Greerton,
Tauranga and Kaiangaroa extinguished the fire, and prevented it from spreading to other
buildings.
Two vehicles experienced mechanical issues during the response. One was replaced by a
similar truck and the other was not needed. Like any large fleet operator, we take a network
approach to our fleet management so we can provide relief vehicles whenever and wherever
they are needed. During incidents, our dispatching procedures enable us to call out the next
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available truck if the nearest truck is attending another call or is unavailable for any other
reason, like scheduled maintenance or repair work.

Crews reported an issue with an aerial truck from Rotorua, so a replacement aerial was
dispatched from Hamilton. During the period before its arrival, firefighters successfully used
other tactics to contain the fire to the building of origin and protect all neighbouring structures.
Mechanics have identified that a sticking valve caused the issue with the Rotorua aerial. Their
investigations indicate this fault had occurred previously but had corrected itself. This was not
reported for repairs.  It is critical firefighters report all faults to ensure maintenance on the fleet.
The crew of the command unit from Greerton Station reported issues with its gearbox while they
were on the way to Taupō. As a command unit from Rotorua was already at the scene, the
second command unit was not required. Mechanics have diagnosed that the problem related to
the engine’s emissions control system, rather than the gearbox.
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All our trucks are maintained in a fully operational condition regardless of age.  We have a
proactive servicing regime for all trucks and replace any worn parts as required to keep them at
an operational standard. These are large, complicated vehicles but they are well maintained,
safe, certified, and legally compliant.
Our firefighters are trained to use a range of tactics for different types of incidents. This means
that if one particular type of fire truck is unavailable, they can adapt their tactics to the
resources that they have.

INFORMATION
Fleet: Taupō-nui-a-Tia College fire truck breakdown
Dubby Henry from NZME asked questions about truck breakdowns during the response to this
fire.
RESPONSE: Please attribute to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson:
The crew of the command unit from Greerton Station reported issues with its gearbox while they
were on the way to Taupō. As a command unit from Rotorua was already at the scene, the
second command unit was not required. Mechanics have diagnosed that the problem related to
the engine’s emissions control system, rather than the gearbox.
Crews reported an issue with Rotorua’s Type 4 aerial appliance, reported during the fire, so a
replacement aerial was dispatched from Hamilton. During the period before its arrival,
firefighters successfully used other tactics to contain the fire to the building of origin and
protect all neighbouring structures.
Mechanics have identified that a sticking valve caused the issue with the Rotorua aerial. Their
investigations indicate this fault had occurred previously but had corrected itself. This was not
reported for repairs.  It is critical firefighters report all faults to ensure maintenance on the fleet.

Media responses today (8)
Fleet: Taupō-nui-a-Tia College fire truck breakdown
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Phil Pennington from RNZ asked questions about truck breakdowns during the response to this
fire.
RESPONSE: Please attribute the following to Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler:

Firefighters are trained in working at heights in firefighting conditions which includes training in
working safely at heights and working with ladders. This training is combined with the
application of the Safe Person Concept and Dynamic Risk Assessment, which are integral to our
operations.
Firefighters can apply a range of tactics, including using hoses at height to direct water onto a
fire. Doing this from an aerial appliance or from a roof are both tactics which an Incident
Commander may consider, depending on the circumstances, the type of incident and the
resources available.

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Daily Media Log 9 February 2026 .docx
Fleet: Rotorua Type 4 Aerial and Greerton’s Command Unit ‘breakdowns’ en route to Taupo-nui-
a Tia College Fire.
Eva Gallot from Stuff asked for comment about NZPFU claims two trucks broke down on their
way to the Taupo-nui-a-Tia school fire.
RESPONSE: Please attribute to Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler:
Rotorua's Type 4 aerial truck has suffered a breakdown while responding to the fire at a Taupō
high school. A mechanic is on site to confirm what the issue is.
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Hamilton's aerial has been assigned to this fire as a replacement, which has arrived in Taupō
and is now assisting the response.
Firefighters put different tactics in place while there was no aerial truck. Using these tactics,
firefighters were able to contain the fire to the building of origin and protect all neighbouring
structures.
Greerton's Command Unit had an issue with its gearbox while responding. However, it was not
required to respond in the end as Rotorua's Command Unit was on the scene and there was
only need for one unit.
Recognising the age of the aerial fleet, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has invested $12
million in the aerial fleet, with 5 new aerials in the final stages of build. Fire and Emergency is
also investing a further $20 million in fire trucks each year for the next 3 years. This will reduce
the overall age of the fleet.
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Daily Media Log 16 January 2026
Media responses today (8)
NZPFU – Roslyn fire ladder truck
Laine Priestley from the Otago Daily Times asked questions about firefighters using a backup
aerial truck at the Roslyn scout hall fire yesterday.
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RESPONSE: Please attribute to Fire and Emergency New Zealand National Commander
Megan Stiffler:

The Otago District leadership team has no awareness of any ‘internal advisory’ as claimed. The
relief aerial was used to great effect at the incident.
We expect to have Dunedin’s new heavy aerial truck delivered by mid-2026, along with the four
other long reach aerial ladder trucks we have purchased for our fleet at a cost of $12 million.  It
is important to note however that they then must go through fitout and training before they can
be operationally deployed. That process can be a couple of months, and we do not have exact
timings.
The process of codesign with our firefighters, and assembly production of such trucks is a long
one, especially with bespoke vehicles of such complexity, size, and weight. Incorporating
feedback from our firefighting and engineering staff throughout the design process gives us ACT 1982
assurance that these specialist vehicles will meet our requirements.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fleet has around 1300 specialist firefighting trucks.
We acknowledge we have an ageing fleet, but it is well- maintained, safe, certified, and legally
compliant.
We are spending $20 million annually on new firefighting trucks and vehicles. Since we were
established in July 2017, we have taken delivery of 317 new firefighting trucks and have 78 on
order that we expect to have operational in 2026 and 2027.

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Daily Media Log 13 January 2026
Media responses today (9)
NZPFU – Christchurch aerial
Daniel Alvey from Star Media asked about Christchurch’s aerial being
RESPONSE: Please attribute to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson:
Christchurch’s aerial appliance is undergoing scheduled servicing and repairs to its air
conditioning unit. Servicing and repairs are due to be completed by the end of the week.
The ute used by the crew does not replace the aerial appliance. It is being used as a means of
transport for crews when necessary to assist with incidents as required.
Our firefighters are trained to manage each incident according to available resources and
capabilities.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is currently building five aerial appliances at a cost of
approximately $12 million. These trucks will be sent to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and
Dunedin and are due to arrive mid-2026. This is part of a significant investment in our fleet. We
are currently spending $20 million a year over the next three years to replace our older trucks.
This demonstrates Fire and Emergency is prioritising our fleet replacements and renewals as a
priority.
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We later sent the following update:
We have been advised that servicing and repairs are complete, and the aerial appliance is due
to be back on the run later today.

NZPFU – Mosgiel commercial fire
Laine Priestley from the Otago Daily Times requested a response to comments made by the
NZPFU that their response to a fire in a Mosgiel commercial building was hindered by fleet
issues.
RESPONSE: Please attribute to District Manager Craig Gold:
The Dunedin Station’s regular aerial appliance is currently being repaired and a replacement
aerial appliance is in place. Both aerial trucks have a similar reach in regard to height.
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Our firefighters are trained to manage each incident according to available resources and
capabilities. The tactics and practical firefighting skills displayed by our crews were evident at
this incident and our firefighters served their communities well.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is currently building five aerial appliances at a cost of
approximately $12 million. These trucks will be sent to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and
Dunedin and are due to arrive mid-2026. This is part of a significant investment in our fleet. We
are currently spending $20 million a year over the next three years to replace our older trucks.
This demonstrates Fire and Emergency is prioritising our fleet replacements and renewals as a
priority.
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We have issued a statement about Friday’s strike which you can find on our website here -
https://www.fireandemergency.nz/incidents-and-news/news-and-media/fire-and-emergency-
received-calls-for-22-incidents-during-todays-strike/

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