Two reviews of the fire services were undertaken between 2012 and 2015. These considered mandate, rural and urban governance and support structures, legislation modernisation, funding, and coordination with other emergency services.
Through extensive consultation with stakeholders, these reviews resulted in wide agreement on the type of fire services needed in New Zealand, and how best those services should be supported and funded. They paved the way for reform.
These reviews also drew on lessons from other fire services internationally on how best to approach the reforms. To be successful, the changes should be co-designed with the sector, incorporate the perspective of communities, and grow an organisation that is reflective of the communities it serves.
Following these two reviews, Cabinet agreed to unify urban and rural fire services, to use a new funding model, to repeal two Acts, and to create a new law for fire services in New Zealand.
The Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017(external link) received Royal Assent on 11 May 2017, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand was established on 1 July 2017.