Local Advisory Committees

E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū
Reflecting the diversity of community voices

This historic whakataukī reminds us that it takes a multitude of voices to create harmony.

Local Advisory Committees: call for new voices

Applications now open until 14 April 2024

Local Advisory Committees (LACs) are appointed by our Board and provide independent advice about what their communities value, their needs, and the risks they face, both now and in the future.

By understanding the issues each community is facing, we can better support them to reduce risk, prepare for, respond to, and recover well from emergencies.

We’re establishing new LACs in Waikato, Taranaki, Nelson-Tasman and Southland and seeking additional members for the existing Hawke’s Bay LAC.

View the map of LAC district boundaries.

Each LAC has a Chair and Deputy Chair and typically has between 5 to 9 members. Appointments are for up to three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Are you someone who:

  • Is a leader in your community, well connected and can communicate to a broad range of interest groups
  • Has a good understanding of local risks and issues and has a desire to make our communities safe
  • Has governance experience and can think strategically and pragmatically about local risks and issues
  • Is known for your integrity in your local community
  • Is highly collaborative and inclusive of different views

 What is expected of members

  • Attend all committee meetings, undertake the required preparation, and actively participate in committee discussions fully, frankly and constructively
  • Actively develop and maintain community relationships so you can continue to represent the needs and risks of those communities
  • Input into planning and reporting, providing a voice into how Fire and Emergency New Zealand can make a difference
  • Exercise confidentiality, discretion and personal sensitivity and adhere to Fire and Emergency New Zealand policies and guidelines

Benefits for members

  • Being able to make a tangible difference to your community by helping shape plans to reduce impacts of emergencies on your community
  • Personal connections with the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board, District management, members of your committee and committees across NZ
  • Gain experience in governance

If this sounds like you, and you are based in Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Nelson-Tasman or Southland, then we would love to receive your application. To apply for an LAC in your area, follow the links below:

Applications are open from 14 March until 14 April and we will be interviewing in May 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact us at LACApply@fireandemergency.nz

Find out more about our current Local Advisory Committees using the links below: