11371 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs

11371 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What progress has Fire and Emergency New Zealand made towards addressing the Provisional Improvement Notices at its live fire training facilities, if any?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that Fire and Emergency New Zealand has taken a structured approach to addressing Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) at its live fire training facilities, including immediate cessation of live fire activity, implementation of engineering improvements, and staged testing and remediation. Woolston (Christchurch): • Live fire training was ceased immediately following the issuance of the Provisional Improvement Notice. • Engineering improvements to the smoke management system were implemented in November 2025, including enhancements to smoke extraction. • Live fire commissioning and testing was undertaken in December 2025 to validate system performance and safety. • This testing identified a small number of minor issues and the need for an additional filter system to manage moisture in the exhaust. • Remedial works are scheduled to be completed in the first week of April 2026, with targeted retesting planned for 16 April 2026. • Subject to successful retesting, Fire and Emergency will then progress discussions to have the Provisional Improvement Notice lifted. National Training Centre (Rotorua): • A structural survey had been undertaken prior to the issuance of the Provisional Improvement Notice to assess the condition of the containers as part of planning remedial works • Live fire container cell operations were ceased prior to the issuance of the Provisional Improvement Notice. • Following options analysis, a decision was made to replace the existing live fire container cells on a like-for-like basis. • Installation of replacement container cells is scheduled to be completed by 27 April 2026. • In parallel, remediation of ducting faults has been completed to improve smoke extraction system performance. • Commissioning and testing will follow installation to verify system performance and safety. • Subject to successful commissioning and testing, Fire and Emergency will then progress discussions to have the Provisional Improvement Notice lifted.