Posts tagged: New Zealand

Handling failures prompt public apology in New Zealand volunteer complaint case

The Public Service Commission has published its Review of a Series of Complaints made to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, examining how complaints from former volunteer Sarah Hullah were addressed over nearly a decade.

According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the organisation has accepted all 33 findings presented in the review and confirmed that a resolution has now been reached with Ms Hullah.

The review focused on complaints initially raised in 2016 and included allegations related to the former New Zealand Fire Service, which has since been incorporated into Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Public apology and culture change commitment

Fire and Emergency New Zealand issued a public apology in response to the findings.

Chief Executive and National Commander Kerry Gregory said: “On behalf of Fire and Emergency and its predecessor organisation, the New Zealand Fire Service, I apologise publicly and unreservedly to Ms Hullah for the failure to properly investigate her original complaint and the series of complaint handling failures that followed.”

Gregory added: “We are striving to become a different organisation.”

He stated that the agency is undergoing a culture change programme designed to create a safer and more inclusive workplace.

Review findings align with previous cultural inquiries

The complaints addressed in the latest review were made during the same period covered by two earlier independent inquiries.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand explained that the earlier inquiries also identified failings in how complaints were historically managed.

The organisation said the review’s findings were consistent with the issues raised in the earlier investigations.

It reported that recent changes include new structures and processes for managing complaints.

Independent service introduced for complaints management

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it has introduced an external complaints service to handle future concerns.

The organisation noted that the service specialises in conflict resolution and complaints management.

Gregory stated: “Fire and Emergency’s new independent complaints service puts people at the heart of the investigation. I am confident that if complaints like those addressed in the review occurred today, they would be handled through a more robust and transparent process.”

He added: “Bullying, harassment, and victimisation have no place in Fire and Emergency, and we take all allegations of any such behaviour very seriously.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand complaints report prompts procedural changes: Summary

The Public Service Commission released a review into complaints made by former Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteer Sarah Hullah.

The review found that Fire and Emergency had mishandled a series of complaints dating back to 2016.

Fire and Emergency accepted all 33 findings in the report.

The organisation has also reached a resolution with Ms Hullah.

Chief Executive Kerry Gregory issued a public apology on behalf of Fire and Emergency and its predecessor, the New Zealand Fire Service.

The complaints were made during the period reviewed in two previous independent inquiries into organisational culture.

Fire and Emergency confirmed that the review findings were consistent with those earlier inquiries.

The organisation stated that it has implemented structural reforms to improve how complaints are handled.

An independent complaints service has been introduced.

The service specialises in conflict resolution and transparent investigations.

Gregory said the current approach ensures greater accountability and safety for staff.

Recognition for work with Māori communities

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has been awarded the Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended recognition in the Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Tiriti Tohu category at the Diversity Awards.

This recognition, highlights FENZ’s efforts in strengthening its cultural capability and fostering better engagement with Māori as tangata whenua.

The award underscores the organisation’s commitment to improving its services by enhancing its internal understanding and respect for Māori culture.

FENZ’s Deputy Chief Executive for Kaupapa Māori and Cultural Communities, Piki Thomas, stated: “Our organisation is committed to strengthening our cultural understanding and building relationships with Māori in culturally appropriate ways.”

The development of the He Tīmatanga Kōrero resource is a key part of this initiative, aimed at increasing cultural knowledge and capability within the organisation.

He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative

The He Tīmatanga Kōrero – An introductory guide to Kaupapa Māori – is a resource created by FENZ to promote understanding of Māori culture within the organisation.

This resource, illustrated and accessible to all FENZ members, symbolises the organisation’s commitment to integrating Māori perspectives into its operations.

Piki Thomas noted that over 2,700 FENZ personnel have completed the He Tīmatanga Kōrero course and received a Tohu pin as a mark of their commitment to ongoing cultural education.

“The creation of He Tīmatanga Kōrero was an important step in this journey,” said Thomas.

The guide serves as a foundation for FENZ members to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and encourages further learning and engagement.

Commitment to ongoing cultural development

FENZ’s efforts to improve cultural capability are seen as a continuous process.

The organisation’s dedication to bettering outcomes for Māori is reflected in its daily operations and long-term strategies.

The recognition at the Diversity Awards serves as an endorsement of these ongoing efforts, with the He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative playing a crucial role.

Piki Thomas emphasized that the award is a reflection of the collective effort within FENZ: “This Diversity Award is a reflection of everyone across our organisation who dedicates their knowledge and time to work towards better outcomes for Māori, both within Fire and Emergency and in the public.”

Future aspirations and ongoing dedication

Looking ahead, FENZ aims to maintain and strengthen its commitment to Māori communities.

The organisation views the recognition as motivation to continue its work in culturally appropriate ways and to build on the foundation laid by the He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative.

“We are honoured to receive this award and will continue to uphold our commitment to Māori in our mahi each day,” said Piki Thomas, reiterating FENZ’s ongoing dedication to fostering positive outcomes for Māori through continued learning and engagement.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand recognised for Māori cultural engagement: Summary

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has received the Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended recognition in the Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Tiriti Tohu category at the Diversity Awards.

The award recognises the organisation’s commitment to improving cultural capability and fostering better engagement with Māori as tangata whenua.

Central to these efforts is the He Tīmatanga Kōrero resource, which promotes understanding of Māori culture within FENZ.

Over 2,700 personnel have completed this course, symbolising their commitment to cultural education.

The award reflects the collective efforts within FENZ to enhance outcomes for Māori and serves as motivation for future initiatives.

Public invited to consult on New Zealand’s Fire and Emergency levy proposals

On 8 April 2024, Fire and Emergency New Zealand announced the commencement of a public consultation process regarding the proposed Fire and Emergency levy for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029.

Funded primarily through levies on insurance policies including home, contents, non-residential, and vehicle policies, Fire and Emergency serves as the nation’s primary fire authority and an emergency responder for most communities.

The public and stakeholders are encouraged to provide written submissions on the proposed levy adjustments and planned activities for the upcoming period.

Overview of the proposed changes

The consultation seeks feedback on a proposed 5.2 percent increase in the overall levy amount, which is necessary to maintain the current level of services.

Additionally, there are plans to modify the levy’s application across different insurance policy types to improve equity and reflect the incidents Fire and Emergency responds to more accurately.

This initiative aims to ensure sustainable funding for Fire and Emergency services across New Zealand, with the consultation period ending on 17 May 2024 at 5pm.

Accessing more information and submitting feedback

Details on how to participate in the consultation and submit feedback are available on Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s official website.

The organisation emphasised the importance of public input in shaping the final decisions regarding levy rates for 2026-2029, encouraging contributions from all interested parties.

IFSJ Comment

The initiation of public consultation allows stakeholders, including insurance policyholders and the general public, to have a say in the funding mechanism that supports a vital component of the nation’s safety infrastructure.

By engaging with the community and seeking diverse perspectives, Fire and Emergency New Zealand demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and fairness in its funding model.

As the consultation progresses, it will be interesting to see how feedback from the public influences the final levy arrangements, potentially setting a precedent for future funding practices in public service sectors.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Fire and Emergency Commanders Association (FECA) have officially ratified a new Collective Employment Agreement which covers those in operational firefighting management, District/Group Manager and senior specialist roles.

Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory stated: “This agreement is a very pleasing outcome from what has been a thorough process.” “We have taken the time to work things through together and get it right.”

Furthermore, Gregory emphasised the significance of the agreement, saying: “It’s important that this agreement is forward looking and strategic, as our people in these roles lead our operational workforce in their work with communities and in response to emergency events.

“Their leadership is a critical component in us achieving our objectives and delivering for communities.”

The professional body bridging New Zealand’s firefighting community

FECA is recognised for representing the interests of Fire and Emergency Commanders throughout New Zealand.

Its members effectively lead and oversee both career and volunteer firefighters across the country.

FECA President Geoff Purcell shared his sentiments: “The FECA Committee is pleased with the outcome, as it is a step towards our own strategic goals (FECA Strategic Plan 2023-2028) to make assistant commander and commander positions attractive and a legitimate career pathway.”

He further elaborated on the aspirations to: “Enhance terms and conditions for other roles outside of District.”

Des Irving, FECA’s Secretary, pointed out: “The Strategic Relationship Panel concept is innovative and reflects the mature relationship between our two organisations.

“We see it as a useful tool to help improve morale and deal with CEA matters quickly and efficiently by allowing key decision makers from both parties to resolve matters of importance through regular and constructive interaction.”

This Strategic Relationship Panel aims to uphold the commitments between the two organisations, aligning with the Statement of Understanding at the inception of the agreement.

Its primary purpose is to identify, explore, and promote the key issues of importance to both organisations for mutual benefit.

For detailed insights on the new Collective Employment Agreement, you can find more information here.

Employment terms in focus

The terms of the agreement are comprehensive, with pay and conditions for the mentioned positions varying due to diverse responsibilities and specialist skills.

The base salary for District-based operational managers is noted to range from $151,000-$202,000.

Furthermore, many FECA members have the opportunity to be part of the Fire Superannuation Scheme, where contributions by employees are significantly matched by Fire and Emergency.

Additional allowances, health benefits, leave provisions, and support mechanisms are also part of the agreement, enhancing the welfare and growth opportunities for employees.

IFSJ Comment

The ratification of this new Collective Employment Agreement by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Fire and Emergency Commanders Association is a significant step for New Zealand’s emergency services.

With a focus on strategic foresight, the agreement ensures the advancement of those in pivotal roles, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment.

By setting clear terms and benefits, the agreement underscores the importance of safeguarding the welfare of these professionals, thereby ensuring the continued effective response to emergencies and community engagement.