Public consultation

Fire plans consultation – submissions closed

Fire and Emergency’s consultation on fire plans in Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Otago has now closed. We thank those that sent in submissions. Fire plans for in those areas will be published on our website in March.

Development and consultation for fire plans in the remaining areas are expected to take place in April this year.

Disputes Resolution Scheme Consultation closed

Fire and Emergency’s consultation on the Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules ran from 12 December 2019 until 20 February 2020 and is now closed. Thank you to all those who made submissions and comments on the Scheme design and processes. Overall, there was general support for the proposed rules and process for the Scheme. For more information about  the changes we made and the supporting rationale read  the Summary of and response to submissions.

The Dispute Resolution Scheme rules will give Fire and Emergency volunteers and the public an independent and transparent process to dispute our decisions.

If Fire and Emergency volunteers or the public disagree with something we have or have not done, or a decision we have made, they will be able to apply to have their dispute resolved through our new dispute resolution process which will replace our current Scheme.

Applicants will be able to access the new Scheme directly with the Administrator’s agreement rather than having to go through Fire and Emergency internal processes first as is the case with the current Scheme.

The Dispute Resolution rules are now finalised and available - Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules 2020.

Please note the rules are not yet in force but expected to be in place in early 2021 once the Scheme is operational. We are currently in the tender process for practitioner and administrator services for the Disputes Resolution Scheme.

Current Disputes Resolution Scheme

Our new rules are expected to be in place in early 2021. In the meantime, if you have a dispute, you can access our current dispute resolution process. To submit an application, use the dispute resolution process application form. Once you have completed the form, email it to:  manager@resolutionscheme.nz or mail it to:

Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Level 12, 80 The Terrace
PO Box 2133
Wellington

Attention: Independent Manager, Disputes Resolution

More information about our current Dispute Resolution Scheme can be found in our Dispute Resolution – Guide for Applicants