New Zealand’s volunteer firefighters publicly thanked
National Volunteer Week in New Zealand has been used to highlight the work of the country’s volunteer firefighters.
According to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, volunteers make up around 80 percent of the organisation’s personnel.
The agency reported that over 11,800 volunteers provide frontline and support roles in nearly 600 brigades nationwide, mostly outside of major cities.
National Commander Kerry Gregory said the week provided an opportunity to publicly recognise this contribution.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand added that volunteers respond to emergencies, support prevention efforts, and contribute to the resilience of their communities.
Role of volunteer firefighters in emergency response
Fire and Emergency New Zealand stated that volunteer firefighters deliver critical support, particularly in rural and regional areas.
It said their roles range from firefighting to operational support and medical first response.
The organisation explained that volunteers also carry out education and community engagement to reduce harm and risk.
Gregory said: “They generously give their time to volunteer as firefighters, operational support, medical first responders, and brigade support.”
Gregory added: “They provide a service to their communities on often their darkest day.
“They also spend time educating and reducing the risk of harm to communities and provide reassurance through their commitment, visibility, and training.
“They are critical to community resilience and to our organisation.”
Public awareness and engagement encouraged
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it wanted to raise awareness of the contribution of its volunteers.
It invited members of the public to leave a message of support on social media.
Gregory said: “We want to raise awareness of the incredible work our volunteers do and give the public an opportunity to thank them too.”
Gregory added: “We’re inviting people to go to our Facebook or Instagram pages and leave a message of thanks or support.”
He said the organisation was also acknowledging the families and employers of volunteers for their role in enabling participation.
Volunteers as part of community fabric
This year’s National Volunteer Week is being held under the theme “Whiria te tangata”, which Fire and Emergency New Zealand translated as “weaving the people together”.
The organisation said the theme reflects the role of volunteers in strengthening the fabric of society.
It described its volunteers as a key link in its partnership with communities.
Gregory said: “Our volunteers bring far more than their skills and numbers.
“They are one of our key links in our partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Leadership reflects on role of volunteers
Gregory stated that it was an honour to lead a service supported by so many people willing to give their time to others.
He said that National Volunteer Week is a reminder for the public to acknowledge this contribution.
Gregory said: “It is an opportunity for the rest of us to take a moment and reflect on the valuable role our volunteers play in their communities and their selfless dedication and commitment.”
Gregory added: “It is an honour and privilege to lead an organisation full of passionate people who are driven to serve others.
“Reach out and say thank you – it’s so simple, but it means a lot.”
Volunteer firefighters celebrated during National Volunteer Week in New Zealand: Summary
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has thanked its 11,800 volunteers for their work.
Volunteers make up 80 percent of the service’s total personnel.
The agency said its volunteers support nearly 600 brigades.
Most volunteer brigades are located outside New Zealand’s major cities.
Volunteers are involved in firefighting, medical response, and community education.
National Volunteer Week is marked under the theme “Whiria te tangata”.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said this reflects the link between volunteers and communities.
National Commander Kerry Gregory said the week is a time to recognise their service.
The public has been asked to leave messages of support online.
Gregory also thanked families, friends, and employers who support volunteers.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said volunteers support emergency response and prevention.
Gregory described the organisation as being strengthened by volunteer commitment.
He said the service would not function without their support.
The campaign includes calls for public appreciation through social media.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it values volunteer involvement throughout the year.