13058 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs

Written Question

Published date: 21 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	13058 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Mike Davidson
Portfolio:	Minister of Internal Affairs
Minister replying:	Hon Brooke van Velden
Answer received:	15 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_13058_2026
Document guid:	3a7a0389-9373-47d2-90dd-7463dd14cfdf

13058 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What is the standard process for Fire and Emergency New Zealand communication centres to alert local and volunteer fire brigades that they may be required to respond to a swift water event, if any?

Hon Brooke van Velden: Those brigades are not trained or equipped to enter swift water, and will operate from the land securing the scene and carrying out any rescues they can. Fire and Emergency’s Specialist Water Rescue Teams are a dedicated capability and can safely operate in and on swift water. Specialist water rescue teams can either be pre-deployed to known areas of risk or responded when an incident requiring their attendance occurs. Police are the lead coordinating agency for Search and Rescue incidents, including water rescue, and may also request Fire and Emergency resources.