Our Whanaungatanga Wellbeing Survey is LIVE

Published: 24/03/2023 | Safety, Health & Wellbeing | National

We would like to urge all employees at Fire and Emergency – operational and non-operational – to complete this national wellbeing survey which you should have received in an email on 9 March and 23 March from whanaungatangapgm@fireandemergency.nz.

We understand that the demands of your work can be challenging, but taking time to share your thoughts and experiences can help shape the future of Fire and Emergency. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from all employees - operational and non-operational - on issues of trust and wellbeing.

As a reminder, this survey is also a vital part of Fire and Emergency’s Whanaungatanga Programme, which is one of 15 international veteran and first responder programmes, funded by Movember, that aim to reduce mental ill-health and prevent suicide. Your participation in the survey will help with the programme as survey findings will be used to inform a pilot of organisational change interventions aimed at improving trust and wellbeing within Fire and Emergency.

This survey and programme have the support of the NZ Professional Firefighters’ Union (NZPFU), the Fire Emergency Commanders’ Association (FECA), the Public Service Association (PSA), The Rural Professionals Association (RPA), and Fire and Emergency.

The survey is being conducted independently by Auckland University of Technology, and no identifiable data will be shared, so please feel free to answer all questions honestly and openly.

Thank you to those of you who have already completed the survey. For those who have not yet, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

Please note that the survey closes at midnight on Thursday, 30 March, so there's still time to have your say. If you have not received the survey, please contact whanaungatangapgm@fireandemergency.nz.

We want to acknowledge the impact of trust and wellbeing issues on volunteer firefighters. The Whanaungatanga Pilot Programme is working towards evaluating trust and wellbeing initiatives, so that wider application - including for volunteers - can be considered.

You can read more on the Whanaungatanga Programme Portal page. You can also view a video of Russell and Wattie Watson, National Secretary of the NZPFU, discussing the significance of this survey for our people and the organisation.

Thank you for your mahi, and thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. Together, we can bring about change to improve trust and wellbeing within Fire and Emergency.