Pre-election guidance for all Fire and Emergency people

As a Crown entity and part of the State sector, Fire and Emergency and our personnel (paid and volunteer) must follow guidance from the Public Service Commission (PSC) in the run-up to a general election.

The pre-election guidance applies for the three-month period before an election – from 14 July 2023.

One of the key things about working in the State sector is that you are required, as part of your job, to be politically neutral while at work.

This doesn’t stop people from being politically active or having political views outside work. Everyone at Fire and Emergency has the same rights to freedom of speech and political activity in their private lives as other New Zealanders. But the two must be kept separate.

The Public Service Commission's guidelines(external link) are designed to help us manage risks and stay in a politically neutral place while at work during the pre-election campaigning period. 

Pre-election guidance and how it applies to us at Fire and Emergency is now on the Portal and includes information about:

• If you're standing for election
• Social media
• Events and MP visits
• Using Fire and Emergency resources and workplaces (stations and offices).