Who is responsible for approving the deployment of swift water specialist teams at Fire and Emergency New Zealand and what process, if any, do they take prior to approving deployment?

Answer

I am advised that Fire and Emergency’s National Commanders Group is responsible for approving deployment of Specialist Water Rescue Teams. Specialist Water Rescue Teams are a national resource and national resources are approved with national oversight. This ensures that specialist resources are deployed to areas of greatest need. Fire and Emergency’s communications centres, upon receiving a call from Police or via 111, will notify the on-call District Commander to assess the capability request, while seeking final approval by the National Commanders Group.