Purpose

The purpose of this circular is to advise stakeholders of NRFA activities relating to the promotion of the establishment of Enlarged Rural Fire Districts.

Background

The New Zealand Fire Service Commission Statement of Intent 2009-2012 states that "the NRFA will continue to promote the amalgamation of rural fire districts to provide for more consistent, professional rural fire management."[1]

To assist in the achievement of this goal, the NRFA has been allocated additional funding commencing in the financial year 09/10 to provide annual administration grants to Enlarged Rural Fire Districts that satisfy the following criteria:

1. 95% of the area managed by the Enlarged Rural Fire District is contiguous within a geographic area; and, includes the total area of at least two Territorial Local Authorities; and,
2. The Enlarged Rural Fire District has a full time employed Principal Rural Fire Officer (PRFO); and,
3. The Enlarged Rural Fire District has a Purchase Agreement[2] with the NRFA, for the delivery of specified outcomes; and,
4. The Enlarged Rural Fire District meets the required performance levels associated with Purchase Agreement outcomes.

 Framework

The NRFA has initiated a project to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines for Enlarged Rural Fire Districts. The guidelines will include (but are not limited to):

1. An explanation of roles and responsibilities, and governance of an organisation operating as a body corporate.
2. Policies and templates (e.g. strategic planning).
3. Financial management guide.
4. An Operational Management mode.
5. An explanation of roles and responsibilities of a full time employed PRFO.

 Next steps

The table below describes the next key steps and indicative timing:

As this work is progressed, further information will be circulated to Rural Fire Authorities.

Murray Dudfield

National Rural Fire Officer