Volunteer Engagement Model

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) are working together to resume work on the Volunteer Engagement Model project (previously called the agreements of Service and Model rules project).

The project seeks to strengthen the relationship between Fire and Emergency and volunteers, so together we can best serve our communities.

Background

Volunteer agreements were inherited with the formation of Fire and Emergency in 2017. These agreements are inconsistent across the country, and we have not defined the foundation to support a relationship between volunteers, volunteer brigades and Fire and Emergency.

Purpose

This project aims to modernise volunteer agreements to better reflect the vital role of volunteers to keep our communities safe, while defining relationships and aligning with the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017. It also seeks to provide greater consistency and clarity about volunteer brigades’ connection to Fire and Emergency’s policies and procedures, all while preserving their independence and mana. 

A key consideration for the team is that any proposed changes must meet the needs of all parties and be consulted on. 

Scope of work for the project

The finalised scope for this project includes the following agreements, documents, and processes:

• Agreement(s) of Service or Constitution(s)
• Brigade Rules of Association (Model Rules)
• Brigade Leader (Controller, Chief Fire Officer, Officer in Charge,) and Deputies - Appointment Process and Letter of Appointment
• Volunteer Appointment Process and Letter of Engagement

The scope outlines the intent of this project and the key pieces of work it will focus on. It includes information about how this project relates to other work underway like the Eke Taumata programme.

You can read the scope of work here. [PDF, 751 KB]

Your feedback and input into this mahi is important to us. During the project you will have ample opportunities to provide feedback, including on the more specific details of the agreements, documents and processes noted above, and how they relate to you and your brigade.

The project team can be reached by emailing volunteerengagementmodel@fireandemergency.nz 

Or contact the UFBA team by emailing connect@ufba.org.nz  

Information Sheet

The information sheet will be updated as the project progresses:

_{Last updated: 24-02-25}

View the Information Sheet [PDF, 114 KB]