Owen Kinsella

Fire and Emergency New Zealand acknowledge the sad passing of retired Assistant National Commander Owen Kinsella on 18 December 2023 at his home in Tauranga . Owen had a career spanning 48 years, beginning as a volunteer in the Matamata Volunteer Fire Brigade before joining the permanent staff of the Wellington Fire Brigade.

Owen had a distinguished career as a firefighter, officer and senior fire commander, including senior roles at NHQ. He also worked in senior operational roles in many parts of the country, and following some time as the Arapawa Regional Fire Commander, transferred to the Bay of Plenty Fire Region, where he led the team during the tragic Tamahere Coolstore fire, receiving a QFSM for his outstanding leadership.

Fire and Emergency extend their sincere condolences to Owen's family and friends.