Haere rā e te rangatira

Today we say goodbye to Fire and Emergency’s first Chief Executive, Rhys Jones.

Yesterday’s farewell ceremony was a fitting way to recognise and celebrate the tremendous contribution Rhys made to our organisation during his five-year tenure.

Tributes were heard from a number of guests including Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Jan Tinetti, former Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Peter Dunne and Fire and Emergency Board Chair, Rebecca Keoghan. National Commander and incoming Chief Executive, Kerry Gregory, spoke on behalf of the Executive Leadership Team.

Speakers all thanked Rhys for his mahi and noted the profound and positive impact he had made as our leader. With us from day one, his vision and strategic focus laid the groundwork for the future of Fire and Emergency and ensures we are well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming years.

In his final address (typically humble) Rhys thanked and praised the people of Fire and Emergency for what has been achieved and acknowledged, and everyone who played a part in shaping the organisation we are today.

“…to the nearly 15,000 people within Fire and Emergency New Zealand who I am proud to have led, the credit for achieving everything we have belongs to you…I’m really glad that everyone shares that vision of where we want to be.”

A video tribute showing highlights from the past five years was also shared and can be viewed below.

Haere rā e te rangatira.