More Fenz roles across South

NEARLY 30 new roles will be established across the South as part of a nationwide Fire and Emergency New Zealand restructure.

Fenz announced changes to its structure in June, including disestablishing various management positions and establishing new positions across the country.

The changes were primarily to management positions, as well as some fire risk management roles.

This week national commander Kerry Gregory said 12.5 roles in Otago had been disestablished, to be replaced by 17 new roles — nine readiness and recovery and risk reduction advisers, one district manager, one community risk manager, and six group managers.

In Southland 12 roles were established — six readiness and recovery and risk reduction advisers, one district manager, one community risk manager and four group managers.

They replaced 6.5 roles in the region.

Mr Gregory said frontline firefighters and officers would not be affected by the changes.

‘‘Safety for firefighters and the public is paramount — this will not change. As happens now, only personnel with the right skills and the right level of experience will be in charge of an emergency response.’’

The changes were about building a unified national emergency management organisation, he said.

‘‘These changes are not about job or cost reduction; they are about ensuring that our structure and capability aligns with our organisational goals and strategies now and into the future.

‘‘We know change can be stressful and creates uncertainty for the people involved and our absolute focus has been on doing the right thing by our people.

‘‘We are working closely with our people to ensure they are provided with ongoing information and support.’’