Kia ora John

 

Thanks for your email.

 

It is illegal and reserved for authorized emergency and specific service
vehicles like police, fire, ambulance, and civil defence, with strict
rules even for volunteer fire members, requiring Fire Region Manager
approval for beacons and sirens on non-fire service vehicles to prevent
misuse and danger, as per [1]NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Fire and
Emergency New Zealand guidelines. 

 

Who can use sirens:

* Police Cars: Enforcement officers use them to signal drivers to stop.
* Ambulances: For urgent medical response.
* Fire Service Vehicles: To attend emergencies.
* Civil Defence & Defence Force: As designated emergency vehicles. 

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Kate 

 

Senior Customer Service Representative

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

 

 

 

 

 

From: [email address]

Sent: Monday, December 8, 2025 10:20 AM

To: [email address]

Subject: FW: Official Information request - Emergency lights

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Kia ora team

Can the below please be answered as BAU?

Ngā mihi
Chanell

Ministerial Services
Te Waka Kōtuia | Engagement & Partnerships
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
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-----Original Message-----
From: John
Sent: Saturday, 6 December 2025 8:55 pm
To: Official Correspondence
Subject: Official Information request - Emergency lights

[You don't often get email from
[FOI #33161 email]. Learn why this is
important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentific... ]

Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,

I am writing to seek clarification regarding the use of emergency lights
and/or sirens under the emergency services provisions of the Land
Transport Act.

Specifically, I would like to understand whether Search and Rescue
organisations — for example Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), Surf Life
Saving Search and Rescue (Surf SAR), and Coastguard — are considered
emergency services under this legislation, and whether this classification
permits the use of emergency warning devices (lights and/or sirens) when
responding to a search and rescue callout.

I am particularly interested in whether such use is permitted for the
purpose of responding more rapidly to a SAR incident.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
John

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This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

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[FOI #33161 email]

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Information requests to New Zealand Transport Agency? If so, please
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page.

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References

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1. https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/v...

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