Fire and Emergency job cuts and strikes

The story so far

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has proposed restructuring that could cut about 169 non-firefighting roles and save around $70 million, according to the PSA union.^{12 Nov 2025} The Public Service Association has urged the government to intervene, arguing the proposal is short-sighted and could affect emergency response.^{12 Nov 2025} Unionised career firefighters in Hamilton held a one-hour strike in November over staffing levels, the second such strike in a month.^{21 Nov 2025} Paid firefighters have kept their strike notices in place despite FENZ requests, and the Employment Relations Authority has referred the parties to facilitated bargaining.^{4 Dec 2025} FENZ has warned that the strikes risk public safety, and it has taken legal action against the union and an official over alleged threats and intimidation toward volunteers, a matter also referred to police.^{12, 17 Dec 2025}

What's next

The Employment Relations Authority has referred the union and FENZ to facilitated bargaining to resolve the dispute.^{4 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 12 Nov 2025FENZ proposes cutting about 169 non-firefighting roles to save $70m
2. 21 Nov 2025Hamilton firefighters strike for one hour, the second strike in a month
3. 4 Dec 2025Paid firefighters refuse to withdraw strike notices despite FENZ requests
4. 12 Dec 2025FENZ warns strikes risk public safety; union calls pay comments rubbish
5. 17 Dec 2025FENZ takes legal action against union and official over alleged intimidation
6. 18 Dec 2025Union says Hahei cliff rescue delay reflects wider air ambulance problems

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.