East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick supports inquiry into Fire and Emergency fleet

Gisborne firefighters with Dana Kirkpatrick (third from right) and the 37-year-old fire truck. From left (excluding Dana) are Jason Higgins, Judah Theobald, Carl Shaw, Monique Baarspul, Nathan Whitley, Doug Buchanan, Jonte Lexmond and Kelly Humphries. Photo / Dana Kirkpatrick

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick has backed a parliamentary inquiry into fleet issues at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, saying she is particularly concerned about the state of fire appliance fleets on the East Coast.

The governance and administration select committee formally opened the inquiry this week, calling for public submissions from individuals and organisations.

The deputy chair of the committee, Ōtaki National MP Tim Costley, motioned for an inquiry after the last two annual reviews of Fire and Emergency, and an extra select committee hearing with Fire and Emergency three weeks ago, which he said “raised serious questions”.

Kirkpatrick, a National Party MP, said fleet reliability was a significant issue on the East Coast.

“I am particularly concerned about the state of fire appliance fleets on the East Coast, where ageing vehicles and prolonged outages are placing unacceptable pressure on our firefighters and communities.”

She said the Gisborne station’s primary appliance was out of service for up to a year, and firefighters were using a 37-year-old relief fire truck instead.

“This is not sustainable.

“Firefighters need reliable, fit-for-purpose equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively. When frontline trucks are unavailable for months at a time, it puts both crews and the public at risk.”

Reports of breakdowns and pump failures due to ageing fleets have occurred across the country.

The national fleet totals 1300. Some stations have trucks with an average age of more than 30 years.

Kirkpatrick said those issues could have a greater impact in rural areas like those on the East Coast, due to distance, isolation and emergency weather events.

“Our firefighters do an amazing job risking their lives to help New Zealanders in need – and I fully back them. What is important is that they have the necessary support from their leadership to effectively carry out their duties.

“This inquiry will provide the answers that every community and firefighter deserves.”

A statement from the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) national secretary, Wattie Watson, said the union was “ecstatic” at the news Parliament would hold an inquiry.

“The NZPFU has been calling for a broad inquiry into the capacity and capability of [Fire and Emergency], including the management of the funding. While this announced inquiry appears to be focused primarily on the emergency response fleet, this is a fantastic start to getting the answers New Zealanders deserve,” Watson said.

She said the union would work with locals and members to provide submissions.

“We thank National MP Tim Costley and Greens MP Mike Davidson, who separately wrote to the committee seeking an inquiry, National MP Tom Rutherford, Labour MPs Jan Tinetti (the chair of the committee) and Lemauga Lydia Sosene, for their support and tenacity in seeking the truth about [the Fire and Emergency] fleet.”

The terms of reference for the inquiry include the current state of the fleet, current and future needs, procurement issues, introduction into and return to service for appliances and communication.

Submissions are open until April 30 on the New Zealand Parliament website.