Kia Ora Minister Brooke van Velden,

Issues have come to light that give us reasons to ask for the following information regarding our fire service.

Are you aware of any ongoing organisational staff morale issues with FENZ within the past 12 months, if so please provide a summary or any documents regarding this.

Have you discussed with FENZ any staff morale or staff turnover rates within FENZ within the past 12 months, if so please provide documents or communications regarding this.

Are you aware of the amount Fire and Emergency New Zealand has spent on public media communications within the past 12 months, particularly in relation to strike action or industrial relations matters, and have you raised this expenditure with FENZ in terms of budget savings or spending priorities? If so, please provide any relevant correspondence, briefings, or documents.

What steps, if any, have you or your office taken within the past 12 months to seek assurance that workforce morale issues, staff turnover, and staffing levels within FENZ are being addressed, that fire appliances and stations remain staffed and operational, and that the Chief Executive is being held accountable for managing these risks? Please provide any relevant correspondence, advice, or documents.

I trust that your oversight of FENZ prioritises the safety and operational effectiveness of the service for the public, above the political interests of its executive management.

Yours faithfully,

Mr P Campbell
Rangiora
Canterbury 7400