Why did it take public scrutiny for Brooke van Velden to act?

OPINION: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced a review into how Fire and Emergency New Zealand is funded, questioning whether the long-standing insurance levy model remains fit for purpose.

Many will be asking why has is taken so long for the Government to act. If the current funding system is failing firefighters on the job, why did it take mounting public pressure before a review was finally thought of?

    Advertisement
  
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

The reality is firefighters respond to far more than fires. They take on medical emergencies, severe weather events, maritime incidents and natural disasters forming a growing part of the organisation’s workload.

Image: A Fire and Emergency appliance sits broken down in the middle of the Greenlane and Manukau Road intersection in Auckland after breaking down, leaving the crew unable to respond to incidents. (Courtesy of New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union)

Only now, after the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union repeatedly brought public attention to appliance breakdowns and funding concerns, is the Government seeking advice on alternative funding options.

That timing is difficult to ignore. Van Velden has previously criticised firefighters’ strikes, claiming “enough is enough” and accused the Union of gambling with public safety. The review she has now commissioned acknowledges there are legitimate questions about whether FENZ’s funding model remains fit for purpose.

    Advertisement
  
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

If those concerns warranted investigation, why were firefighters met with criticism rather than action?

The argument that a funding model relying heavily on insurance holders may no longer reflect the services being delivered.

But that reality has been apparent for years.

The expansion of FENZ’s responsibilities was no secret, raising questions about why the Government waited so long to examine whether the FENZ funding model was still fair and sustainable.

A review is welcome. A modern emergency service deserves a funding model that is reliable, sustainable and equitable.

The lingering question is why it took growing public scrutiny and increasing frustration among firefighters over funding pressures and resourcing concerns before meaningful action was finally taken.

    Advertisement
  
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

The Government now has an opportunity to address a long-standing issue. This review confirms concerns that should have been acted on years ago.

Support Brief Banner

Keep independent stories going.

We are independent and committed to bringing authentic reporting to the people.

thisquality is built for the people and powered by their support. Reading this free article helps us remain a strong and independent platform within New Zealand's media landscape.

$1.99/mo $5/mo Other Amount

About thisquality

Advertisement

Advertisement Why this ad? Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉