Around 2000 firefighters walk off job in nationwide strike

Friday 17 October 2025 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 17 Oct 2025, 3:28pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union

Approximately 2000 firefighters participated in a one-hour national strike on Friday due to a pay and work conditions dispute with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union described the action as a last resort following failed collective agreement negotiations. The walkout caused warnings of serious emergency service delays.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldFri 17 Oct 2025, 9:23am

   Public warned of emergency delays at noon when 2000 firefighters walk off job (opens in new tab)

   • Hawke’s Bay career firefighters walk off the job in nationwide strike action (opens in new tab) Fri 17 Oct 2025, 3:28pm
2. StuffFri 17 Oct 2025, 1:00pm

   Firefighters walk off job (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesFri 17 Oct 2025, 1:31pm

   Dunedin firefighters join national strike (opens in new tab)

   • 'Last resort': Dunedin firefighters join national strike (opens in new tab) Fri 17 Oct 2025, 1:31pm