13060 (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:	13060 (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_13060_2026
Document guid:	ed07ebf9-b889-4be4-a9d7-10a202bacad0

13060 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How many external organisations or agencies does Fire and Emergency New Zealand consult with prior to determining whether swift water specialist teams should be deployed, if any?

Hon Brooke van Velden: Fire and Emergency pre-positions its own Specialist Water Rescue Teams based on assessed risk, informed by discussions with Police, the National Emergency Management Authority, and Civil Defense. Local operational leaders discuss requirements with Police and Civil Defence which informs decision making and prioritisation of resources for pre-deployment. Police are the lead coordinating agency for Search and Rescue incidents. Fire and Emergency determines whether to deploy its specialist capability, with approval by the National Commanders Group as required.