We welcome your feedback on the following topics discussed at the meeting last year.

Uniform

In March 2002 we advanced the issue of acquiring women’s sizes and fit. We now have a woman representative on the uniform working committee.

The result of this work is that we now have access to all sizes of level one shirts and trousers through the usual methods. The uniform committee is working on extending this range.

Childcare/Maternity/Parental Leave

Pregnancy does not spell unemployment! Once a pregnancy is established, for the welfare of both yourself and your unborn child, you are detailed alternative duties. This means that your employment can continue further into the pregancy until the employee requests maternity leave (for example) without placing yourself in any unnecessary risk.

I am currently employed in the Auckland Fire Region.

I have been through two pregnancies since joining the Fire Service in 1995, hence I have volunteered to assist with any queries in the Childcare/Maternity/Parental Leave areas. Hopefully by reading through these sites pages your questions will be answered, but feel free to contact us if you wish and we will endeavour to get you an answer.

Maternity Uniform

To accommodate your changing body the fire service now have a maternity uniform, two styles of tops and navy maternity trousers or skirts are available with an order number from your Chief Fire Officer. For details of where to access the pregnancy uniform contact Nicky; nicky.lafferty@fire.org.nz

Childcare

At this stage we are investigating some childcare arrangements used by emergency services overseas, but currently there is nothing like this in New Zealand... I employ a Nanny, which is expensive, but worth her weight in gold, (well mine is anyway...).

Career Options

Operational career options are varied within the Fire Service, these include specialising in the operation of all different types of appliances (fire engines), maintenance and repair of breathing apparatus, hose, etc.

There are non-operational career options available that any firefighter may move towards. These include; training, fire safety and investigation, professional development etc.

As with any large organisation there are also many other employment positions within the New Zealand Fire Service which are suitable for women to apply for. As these arise they are advertised.

For further information go to www.fire.org.nz

Health Monitoring

The New Zealand Fire Service actively monitors the health of all operational staff and have measures and procedures in place for the welfare of employees

Contact List

If you have any other enquires or information you would like to share with us, please contact us:

Women related issues - Women@fire.org.nz
Recruitment related issues - Recruiting@fire.org.nz