Local Advisory Committees (LACs) provide independent advice to Fire and Emergency about what their communities value, their needs and the risks they face.
LACs’ strong local perspective and connections with a broad range of people and interests informs our planning and helps us better support communities to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies and recover quickly when they happen.
LACs work closely with local Fire and Emergency leaders to understand and engage with their communities by:
- gathering feedback from a wide range of networks within their communities and using that feedback to provide a strong local perspective on issues and risks in their area
- representing the community’s interests, including those of volunteers and industry brigades
- helping to build a common understanding of local needs and how Fire and Emergency can address these at a local level
- helping Fire and Emergency plan for delivering services in the future
- strengthening connections between Fire and Emergency and local communities
- helping their community build resilience and providing local perspectives on reducing risk.
Each LAC includes a Chair and Deputy Chair and has up to nine members. Members appointments are for up to three years, with the possibility of reappointment.
The first seven LACs, established under the Fire and Emergency Act 2017, are:
In March 2023, our Board agreed to Fire and Emergency establishing four further LACs in the 2024. These additional LACs will be located in:
- Waikato
- Taranaki
- Nelson-Tasman
- Southland
We expect to open nominations in mid-March 2024.
Planning is underway for the establishment of the remaining five LACs in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington and Canterbury.
Why have we set up LACs?
We know each community is unique with different dynamics, strengths, risks, and needs.
Some are at risk of seasonal events such as wildfires, flooding or drought. Some are remote and may be cut off if infrastructure and key services are disrupted during a fire or other emergency.
LACs provide independent local advice on how community needs, issues and risks can be met by Fire and Emergency in each local area. Over time, through this advice, we expect to see the changing needs of communities informing our organisation and the services we provide.