Reappointment of Kerry Gregory as Chief Executive

As Chair of the Board of Fire and Emergency New Zealand I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Kerry Gregory as Chief Executive for a further two years, from 1 July 2025 through until 30 June 2027.

Kerry was appointed to his role in 2022 and since then he has led from the front through change, a range of challenges and some of the most extreme weather events Aotearoa New Zealand has seen in decades. All the while, he has kept the organisation on the path set by the Board including continuing to build a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace that is financially prudent.

Kerry’s mana within the organisation, his continued and clearly demonstrated leadership and his resilience ensured that the Board was unanimous in our decision to extend his tenure.

We have decided to merge the roles of Chief Executive and National Commander upon Russell Wood's departure on 31 January 2025. This combined position will be responsible for aligning the organisation's strategic and operational directions. The new Deputy Chief Executive for Service Delivery Operations will assume the rank of Deputy National Commander, continuing to oversee and lead the practical operational service delivery. The Chief Executive may opt to separate these roles in the future, once strategic and operational alignment is achieved.

The scope of Fire and Emergency’s response continues to change, as do the needs of the communities we serve. There is a lot still to do and the Board is confident that Fire and Emergency remains in good hands as it continues to evolve over the next two years.

I am proud of what Kerry has achieved since he stepped into the Chief Executive role and through what has been, on occasion, challenging times. And I know that his reappointment will provide valuable stability to Fire and Emergency as we continue our important mahi for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Please join me in congratulating Kerry on his reappointment.