Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is inviting community members to participate in the newly formed Bay of Plenty Local Advisory Committee (LAC).
This is part of an ongoing effort to incorporate local perspectives into both national and regional planning.
Presently, there are seven LACs operating throughout the country, each providing independent advice on community values, needs, and risks.
The Bay of Plenty LAC aims to deepen FENZ’s understanding of local issues.
The organisation seeks individuals with governance or strategic management experience who are well-connected within diverse community and industry groups. These members will provide insights into local concerns and perspectives.
“This is an important opportunity to have a voice in how we deliver Fire and Emergency’s services locally,” FENZ said. “LACs help to shape the future of Fire and Emergency’s support for communities by enabling us to better understand what matters to you – now and in the future. This means we can better support you to prepare for, respond to, and recover well from emergencies when they happen.
“We know some of the risks faced by our local communities and industries. But you will know more. We need local people with the networks, knowledge, and experience to help us build this picture.”
FENZ is also calling for community involvement in its new Manawatū-Whanganui LAC.
The establishment of the Manawatū-Whanganui LAC seeks to improve FENZ’s understanding of local issues. The committee is looking for candidates with experience in governance or strategic management who are well-connected within diverse community and industry groups. These members will provide insights into local concerns and viewpoints.
For more details and application instructions, visit www.fireandemergency.nz/LACs. Applications are open from July 15 to Au. 11.
The establishment of new LACs follows adjustments to the Fire and Emergency levy, which will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.
Being responsible for fire safety and emergency responses across New Zealand, FENZ relies on funding from levies collected on insurance policies, including home, vehicle, and commercial property.
The proposal recommends a 5.2% increase in the Fire and Emergency levy to ensure the sustainability of FENZ’s services. It also recommends re-evaluating the levy distribution among insurance policy categories.
