Waikato - Fire and Emergency

28/05/2026

Tomorrow, between 12pm and 1pm, members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union will be stopping work for one hour.

We will continue to answer 111 fire calls. Volunteer stations in the affected cities and towns will respond, as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies.

If you are at home, do not leave cooking unattended. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and living area. If there is a fire, get out, stay out, and call 111.

If you are at work, know your building evacuation plan. If there is a fire or the fire alarm sounds, exit the building, assemble at your safe meeting place and call 111.

If you are on a job site that uses spark or heat generating tools, we ask you to refrain from using these tools during this hour.

It is important to acknowledge that this strike action will not affect the parts of the country served by our volunteers.

If you are unsure whether your area is affected, please visit https://shorturl.at/thoU5

26/05/2026

Tomorrow, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union will be stopping work for one hour.

We will continue to answer 111 fire calls. Volunteer stations in the affected cities and towns will respond, as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies.

If you are at home, do not leave cooking unattended. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and living area. If there is a fire, get out, stay out, and call 111.

If you are at work, know your building evacuation plan. If there is a fire or the fire alarm sounds, exit the building, assemble at your safe meeting place and call 111.

If you are on a job site that uses spark or heat generating tools, we ask you to refrain from using these tools during this hour.

It is important to acknowledge that this strike action will not affect the parts of the country served by our volunteers.

If you are unsure whether your area is affected, please visit https://shorturl.at/thoU5

25/05/2026

A huge congratulations to QFF Paul Toms from Te Aroha Volunteer Fire Brigade on receiving the King’s Service Medal for an incredible 45 years of service to both the brigade and the Te Aroha community.

This is a well-deserved recognition of Paul’s dedication, commitment, and service over many decades. Thank you for your incredible service. 🚒🔥

21/05/2026

🚒🔥 GOOD LUCK TO OUR WAIKATO FIREFIGHTERS! 🔥🚒

This Saturday, firefighters from across the Waikato will be taking on the incredible Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland - climbing 1,103 steps and 51 flights of the Sky Tower in full firefighting gear weighing around 25kg! 💪🧯

We are incredibly proud of all the Waikato brigade members stepping up for this amazing cause, representing brigades from right across our region. Your commitment, determination, and community spirit are inspiring.

The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge raises vital funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, helping support Kiwi families facing blood cancer and funding life-changing care and research.

Please get behind our firefighters by supporting this fantastic cause:
❤️ Donate here: https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz
📺 Watch the live stream from 7.30am Saturday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4yf8dZscSw

To every firefighter climbing tomorrow - good luck, stay strong, and know the whole Waikato is cheering you on! 👏🚒

2025 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge | SkyCity Auckland, New Zealand | 24 May 2025Saturday, 24 May 2025📍 SkyCity Auckland, New ZealandThis is the official l...

05/05/2026

The 2026 Get Ready Schools Challenge is here!
Students go in the draw to win one of 15 iPads!

The Get Ready Schools Challenge is a fun and interactive way for
children to learn how to prepare their households for an emergency.

This year’s challenge includes eight fun activities for students to learn about hazards in New Zealand.
- Who does what in an emergency
- How to dial 111
- How to Drop Cover Hold
- What things could fall over in an earthquake
- What to do during a tsunami
- How to make a household escape plan

2026 GET READY SCHOOLS CHALLENGE. SIGN UP!
getready.govt.nz/challenge

03/05/2026

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we recognise and thank our incredible firefighters, both career and volunteer, who serve our Waikato communities. Day and night, in all conditions, they respond when people need help most. We also acknowledge the vital support from their families, employers, and wider communities who make this service possible. Please join us in showing your appreciation for these dedicated individuals who give so much to keep us safe. 🚒🔥