8083 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs

8083 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What was the total monthly spend, if any, on online advertising by Fire and Emergency New Zealand relating to professional firefighter strikes, by month and platform, in 2026 to date?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that the total spend on advertising undertaken during periods of professional firefighter strike activity in 2026 to date was approximately: • January 2026: approximately $335,000. • February 2026: approximately $184,700. • March 2026 (to 13 March): approximately $110,800. I am further advised that the advertising was focused on fire prevention ahead of periods where response activities are delayed due to industrial action. Fire prevention is a main function that Fire and Emergency must provide under legislation. I am also advised that advertising expenditure is recorded by campaign rather than by platform. A breakdown of this spend by platform cannot be provided within the time available to respond to this question. In addition, a platform-level breakdown would likely be commercially sensitive.