Minister says Fire and Emergency NZ breached law over levy collections
Friday 18 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Brooke van Velden, Kerry Gregory
Minister Brooke van Velden stated that Fire and Emergency NZ was breaching its own laws regarding levy collections. The Minister expressed frustration that she was not informed while the organisation spent nearly $500,000 investigating the matter.
Key facts
5 facts
- Minister Brooke van Velden lost confidence in FENZ chief executive Kerry Gregory
- FENZ was reportedly breaching its own law regarding levy collections
- The organisation has been referred to the Serious Fraud Office
- FENZ spent nearly $500,000 investigating the levy issue
- The minister was informed of the issue two weeks ago by the board chair
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Minister for Fire and Emergency Brooke van Velden has stated that Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) was "breaching their own law in regards to levy collections". The minister said she lost confidence in chief executive Kerry Gregory following a "serious breach" of the no surprises clause.
Van Velden stated she was unaware of the issue until the board chair informed her approximately two weeks ago. She noted that FENZ spent nearly $500,000 investigating the matter without her knowledge.
The organisation has been referred to the Serious Fraud Office following suggestions from the board. Van Velden expressed concerns regarding internal culture, noting that Gregory appeared unaware of the issue for some time and did not inform her once he became aware.
The minister identified previous issues within FENZ including payroll, fleet procurement, levy modelling, and back office savings. The Department of Internal Affairs has been asked to conduct policy work regarding whether FENZ's status as a crown entity at arm's length from ministers contributes to these cultural issues.
Compiled from reports by 1News and Otago Daily Times.
