New Zealand unions challenge FENZ’s restructuring, citing poor consultation and cost-cutting over safety.

Two New Zealand unions are challenging Fire and Emergency NZ’s proposed restructuring at the Employment Relations Authority, alleging inadequate consultation, last-minute delivery of a 265-page plan, and errors that were admitted by the agency’s CEO. They claim the process, which could cut 97 non-firefighting roles and alter 66 others, excluded unions, was rushed, and driven by cost-cutting rather than public safety, with decisions made by leaders lacking frontline experience. The unions seek compliance orders to halt changes until proper consultation occurs and blame the government’s refusal to raise insurance levies for the financial pressures. FENZ maintains the restructure aims to save millions and preserve emergency response capability while remaining open to dialogue.