8020 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs

8020 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs: On how many occasions, if any, did Fire and Emergency New Zealand access traffic cameras to monitor striking firefighters or their supporters in 2025?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised there were three occasions in 2025 where Fire and Emergency management viewed live Auckland Transport traffic camera feeds. The purpose of accessing these live feeds was to: • ensure volunteer firefighters had clear access to stations when arriving by vehicle • ensure volunteer-crewed appliances could respond without delay, • identify any potential risks to the health and safety of volunteers, picketing NZPFU members, and the public, or • look into complaints raised by members of the public. There were two viewings in November 2025 and one in December 2025. In each instance, the viewing of the live traffic feeds was undertaken to assess potential public safety risks. These involved time-limited observations of live traffic camera feeds at the Auckland Traffic Operations Centre. No footage from these traffic cameras was recorded, downloaded, or retained by Fire and Emergency in relation to these incidents.