Does the Minister find it acceptable for FENZ to use unpaid volunteer crews to backfill as a result of ongoing industrial action?

Answer

New Zealand's fire and emergency system relies on the effort and dedication of thousands of volunteers every day, with or without strike action. I commend all of the volunteers who turn up because they choose to, leaving family events and stepping away from their day-to-day work with the support of their employers. I reject the idea that FENZ is "using" volunteers, but find it acceptable that FENZ relies on the actions of everyday heroes who are our volunteer firefighters, especially when the community could be at increased risk during strike action.