The following media release comes from The Pumicelands Rural Fire District Transition Committee.

Stakeholders are invited to have their say on the future of rural fire services in the central North Island.

The Pumicelands Rural Fire District Transition Committee has prepared a proposal to amalgamate 10 current rural fire authorities in the central North Island into an enlarged fire district. Rural fire authorities look after areas outside of urban fire districts such as towns and cities, which are managed by the New Zealand Fire Service.

Pumicelands Rural Fire Authority chairman Peter Keach said an enlarged rural fire district would improve fire management and reduce costs.

“There are currently 10 rural fire authorities operating in the region, which means we have duplication, different approaches and public confusion,” Mr Keach said.

“The creation of the enlarged Pumicelands Rural Fire District would mean one well-resourced organisation with strong governance and the resources to develop better systems and technology.

“Additionally, an independent organisation to manage rural fire would be a catalyst for district councils, commercial forest companies and the Department of Conservation to work co-operatively together for the greater good.”

The Pumicelands Rural Fire District Transition Committee is inviting written submissions on the proposal, which is available for download below.

Proposal to transition Central North Island rural fire authorities into an enlarged Pumicelands Rural Fire District - (PDF, 679 KB)

To have your say, email your submission to abi.davidson@fire.org.nz or post to:

Attention: National Rural Fire Officer
National Rural Fire Authority
PO Box 2133
Wellington

Submissions close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 24 March.