Ladder trucks Fire and Emergency New Zealand bought had also suffered significant delays, he said.
“Despite a final inspection in July 2025, they are still sitting with original manufacturers, not yet delivered to Fire and Emergency and far from being put into operational use.”
The report recommended the Government “consider whether Fire and Emergency is best placed to conduct its own procurement, or if further support is required”.
Costley said the report also raised issues with the governance of the organisation.
“The board could not produce any evidence of asking about these new fire engines between December 2023 and the inquiry. Really concerning … not a lot of confidence in the board right now.”
He said bringing in new board chair Raveen Jaduram in June had been the right move, and he had been “far more transparent”.
Other recommendations in the report included “that the Government direct Fire and Emergency NZ to shift its focus from generating corporate documents to efforts that will deliver tangible improvements at frontline stations”.
Fire and Emergency responds
Fire and Emergency chair Raveen Jaduram said he acknowledged the significant shortcomings identified in the report, and was committed to transparent action in response.
“The report identifies unacceptable delays and weaknesses in setting procurement requirements, contract management and governance oversight.
“Firefighters and communities are entitled to expect better.”
Jaduram said since coming into the role in June, he had taken several steps to improve things.
“Fire and Emergency is introducing several initiatives to strengthen fleet procurement, reporting and management practices, including clearer accountability, stronger oversight of delivery and risk.”