New Zealand agreement covers leadership roles

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has confirmed a new collective employment agreement with the Fire and Emergency Commanders Association (FECA), covering operational firefighting management, District Commanders, Assistant District Commanders and senior specialist positions.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said FECA members ratified the agreement on 2 March 2026 after 14 days of negotiations and an Offer to Settle made on 23 February 2026.

The agreement was presented as applying to leadership roles across operational command and specialist functions.

Fire and Emergency Chief Executive Kerry Gregory said: “This agreement is about strengthening leadership across Fire and Emergency so we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.

“Securing a new agreement is critical to our leadership capability, operational stability, and our ability to deliver on our strategic direction and organisational change objectives.

“Just as importantly, it ensures our frontline leaders are aligned, supported, and empowered to perform at their best.

“It is an important milestone to have this contract settled, as it builds on the progress we made last September when we signed a Strategic Relationship Agreement with the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA), who represent more than 650 volunteer brigades across the country.”

FECA backs relationship and change measures

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the agreement formalises FECA’s support for key leadership and cultural change initiatives and reinforces relationships with volunteers.

FECA President Geoff Purcell said: “Our members command, lead, manage and support paid and volunteer firefighters across the motu.

“This agreement acknowledges their professionalism, their national responsibilities, and their commitment to serving communities.

“We’re particularly pleased to see the Strategic Relationship Panel formalised, providing a structured and collaborative forum where operational leaders can work closely with Fire and Emergency on issues that matter most.”

Gregory thanked FECA for what he described as a constructive approach to the settlement and said the agreement allows the organisation to focus on protecting people, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.