Porirua’s career firefighters will join colleagues across New Zealand in a one-hour strike this Friday, 17 October, from 12pm to 1pm, citing urgent concerns over staffing, equipment, and wellbeing.
Local firefighters and communications centre staff will gather at the Titahi Bay Road, Kenepuru Drive, and Walton Leigh Avenue roundabout to raise awareness of what they describe as unsafe and unsustainable working conditions. The strike is part of a coordinated nationwide action by career firefighting personnel.
In a message to the community, Ben Flynn from Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the stoppage was necessary due to “unsafe and unsustainable staffing levels, unreliable fleet and equipment, lack of protections against occupational cancer, and inadequate mental health and wellbeing support.”
While the strike is underway, emergency coverage in Porirua will be provided by volunteer crews from surrounding areas, which may impact response times.
“We encourage members of the public to come out, show their support, and speak with the career firefighters at Porirua station,” Flynn said.
The action highlights growing tension between frontline staff and Fire and Emergency leadership over what firefighters say are long-standing issues that put both workers and the public at risk.
