13339 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs

13339 (2026). Lemauga Lydia Sosene to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How many emergency aviation operators does Fire and Emergency New Zealand have contracts with, and of these, how many have imposed fuel surcharges in 2026?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that Fire and Emergency New Zealand maintains a panel of 87 aviation providers across the country. These providers did not have the ability to impose a fuel surcharge under the Master Services Agreement; however, Fire and Emergency has offered a Temporary Fuel Surcharge to all operators ensuring they are able to provide their services in a financially sustainable manner. This surcharge applies to all work carried out since 28th February, is currently set at $1.281 per litre and will be paid by Fire and Emergency. The cost of this surcharge to Fire and Emergency to 30 June 2026 is estimated at $41,600 – future costs will depend on actual aviation use and any changes to the surcharge rate. Fire and Emergency will continue to work with all operators to understand emerging issues during this time. This is also my answer to written questions 13340, 13341, and 13342, and 13343, 13343, 13344 and 13345 (2026).