How we came to be…

In May of 2001, a group of paid female fire fighters met in Auckland to discuss the possibility of setting up a support/ network group.

We discussed many topics over the two days, and came to the conclusion that we could effectively set up a group similar to those already in existence in many other countries.

Our mission statement:

New Zealand Fire Service Women provides a means for fire service women to network, discuss and resolve issues faced on the job. It also provides an area for any women who are considering employment within the New Zealand Fire Service, in both operational (firefighting) and non-operational roles.

We endeavour to deliver support, resources and guidance for training, recruitment, uniform availability, fire fighting techniques, maternity leave and many other topics.

New Zealand Fire Service Women welcome enquires from all current and prospective fire service personnel. This includes all paid and volunteer Fire Fighters, Fire Police, Administration, Communications, Fire Safety, Health and Safety Nurses, Rural fire fighters and Education, just to list a few.

News…

Three New Zealand women firefighters attended last year’s inaugural WFA Conference in Sydney.

One of the great outcomes of the 2005 Women in Firefighting Forum was a decision to establish an association for women in the fire fighting industry. This was unanimously supported.
In particular, Forum attendees voted for the establishment of a steering committee to:
· Form an association for Women and Firefighting Australasia (WFA)
· Organise a Women and Firefighting Conference in 2006
· Prepare a report on the Forum to AFAC

Upcoming Conference
Australasian Women in Firefighting Conference. Sydney Convension Centre, Darling Harbour, 7 – 9th June, 2006.
New Zealand is intending to send approximately 6 people, both paid and volunteer.
The WIFF2006 conference will be an outstanding national event, for the first time bringing together female and male delegates from across Australia and New Zealand to discuss, debate, listen and learn.
WIFF2006 will include national and international speakers, presentations on a wide variety of topics, workshop and facilitated discussions, and practical scenario based workshops.

Attached here is a report on the conference (250KB PDF)