Set out below are the policies and procedures to follow when applying to the National Rural Fire Authority for Grant Assistance in the 2010/11 financial year. Available funding is subject to New Zealand Fire Service Commission final approval of the budget.
POLICY
The policy on grants to Fire Authorities made pursuant to section 14A(2)(i) of the Fire Service Act 1975 is:
1. Fire Equipment and Protective Clothing
Grants for subsidy may be made:
Ø To purchase approved firefighting equipment.
Ø To purchase approved protective clothing.
The above grants are subject to:
Ø The items being for use by Voluntary Rural Fire Forces (VRFF) registered with the National Rural Fire Authority.
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¬ RFAs without Voluntary Rural Fire Forces registered with the NRFA are eligible for grant assistance subsidies for the following equipment:
i) High pressure low volume pump kits
ii) Hose (25mm and 41mm)
iii) Approved Protective Clothing |
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¬Applications from RFAs without VRFFs registered with the NRFA will be required to demonstrate, in writing, to the National Rural Fire Officer’s satisfaction that the application is not in conflict with any of the Commission’s key principles for administering the Grant Assistance Scheme. The key principles are:
1) To enhance the fire coverage available in smaller communities not otherwise serviced by the NZ Fire Service
2) To ensure that grant assistance is focused on advancing the strategic outcomes of the Commission in respect of its role as the NRFA
3) To ensure that the Commission subsidy is tiered at a level that focuses Rural Fire Authorities on equipment essential to the effective functioning of RFAs in small communities. |
Ø The Fire Service Commission (NRFA) controlling the approval of equipment and subsidy allocation.
Ø The Rural Fire Authority accepting ownership of the items and the responsibility to house and maintain them.
2. Communication Equipment
Grants for subsidy may be made for registered VRFF to:
Ø Purchase Call Out Systems.
Ø Purchase LMR for fire appliances.
Ø Purchase Handheld Incident Ground Communications.
The above grants are subject to:
Ø The items being for use by Voluntary Rural Fire Forces (VRFF) registered with the National Rural Fire Authority.
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¬ RFAs without Voluntary Rural Fire Forces registered with the NRFA are eligible for grant assistance subsidies for the following equipment:
i) Handheld Incident Ground Communications. |
|
¬Applications from RFAs without VRFFs registered with the NRFA will be required to demonstrate, in writing, to the National Rural Fire Officer’s satisfaction that the application is not in conflict with any of the Commission’s key principles for administering the Grant Assistance Scheme. The key principles are:
1) To enhance the fire coverage available in smaller communities not otherwise serviced by the NZ Fire Service.
2) To ensure that grant assistance is focused on advancing the strategic outcomes of the Commission in respect of its role as the NRFA.
3) To ensure that the Commission subsidy is tiered at a level that focuses Rural Fire Authorities on equipment essential to the effective functioning of RFAs in small communities. |
Ø The Fire Service Commission (NRFA) controlling the approval of equipment and subsidy allocation.
Ø The Rural Fire Authority accepting ownership of the items and the responsibility to house and maintain them.
3. Approved Suppliers and Specifications
Advice will be provided on notification of subsidy where there is a requirement to use approved suppliers and/or specifications.
4. Insurance for VRFF Members
Grants may be made for a 50% subsidy on the annual premium of the National Rural Fire Authority AMP insurance scheme. The scheme is for personal accident insurance cover for Voluntary Rural Fire Forces.
5. Administration Grant to Rural Fire District Committees
On application, an administration grant for enlarged Rural Fire District Committees is available. Special conditions apply and further information is available from your Manager Rural Fire or the National Rural Fire Officer.
APPLICATIONS
Fire Authorities seeking subsidy to purchase items as listed in this circular are required to complete and submit the attached Application Forms to the National Rural Fire Authority for approval. The Application Forms list only the equipment attracting a subsidy.
Applications for Grant Assistance for the 2010/11 FY close on 31 May 2010.
Fire Authorities will be advised, in writing, of the outcome of their application by 31 August 2010.
REIMBURSEMENT OF SUBSIDY
1. Fire Equipment, Protective Clothing and Communication Equipment
Once equipment has been purchased:
Ø Rural Fire Authorities are encouraged to invoice the National Rural Fire Authority on a monthly basis as purchases are received, instead of sending one invoice at the end of the Grant Assistance year.
Ø Invoice the National Rural Fire Authority for the subsidised amount/s approved plus GST. (Cost of freight not included).
Ø Provide with the invoice:
Ø A list of the items claimed, showing number of items, reimbursement amount and the GST content separately.
Ø Copies of supplier/s invoices to the Rural Fire Authority as proof of purchase.
Ø Where applicable, a copy of the required standard certification for the product.
Ø Final invoices for RFA reimbursement must be received by the National Rural Fire Authority before 30 May 2011
NB: The National Rural Fire Authority will not reimburse costs for:
· Installation of radios.
· Freight.
2. Insurance for VRFF Members
For a subsidy on annual insurance premiums the Fire Authority must invoice the National Rural Fire Authority for 50% of the cost and provide a copy of the paid AMP invoice or renewal form before 30 May 2011.
Further Information
Further information on Grant Assistance is available from the National Rural Fire Authority at the New Zealand Fire Service National Office, Wellington or from the Manager Rural Fire at Auckland, Napier, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Murray Dudfield
National Rural Fire Officer