How many external organisations or agencies does Fire and Emergency New Zealand consult with prior to determining whether swift water specialist teams should be deployed, if any?

Answer

Fire and Emergency pre-positions its own Specialist Water Rescue Teams based on assessed risk, informed by discussions with Police, the National Emergency Management Authority, and Civil Defense. Local operational leaders discuss requirements with Police and Civil Defence which informs decision making and prioritisation of resources for pre-deployment. Police are the lead coordinating agency for Search and Rescue incidents. Fire and Emergency determines whether to deploy its specialist capability, with approval by the National Commanders Group as required.