43541 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Internal Affairs

43541 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Internal Affairs: When was the last time Whanganui had access to a functioning aerial appliance, and what contingency arrangements are currently in place when an aerial appliance is unavailable?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire and Emergency) that the Whanganui aerial appliance went to the workshop on 3 July 2025 and it has been under repair since. In this case, a replacement pumping appliance was provided to Whanganui. There is also an aerial appliance based in Palmerston North that can be called on if necessary. Fire and Emergency operates using a network of resources that ensures community and firefighter safety is the focus of its operational response.