Employers support volunteer bedrock
More than 11,500 people across New Zealand volunteer with Fire and Emergency. Working alongside career firefighters, they generously give up their time to help their communities – whether it be a house fire, vegetation fire, car crash, medical emergency or weather event.
Fire and Emergency volunteers are incredible, community-minded people.
Our communities depend on them every day to assist in their time of need.
But they also have day jobs or their own businesses to run, and wouldn’t be able to do what they do without the support of others.
Employers who let them leave to respond to an emergency when the pager goes and allow flexible working when they’ve been out during the night at an incident.
Colleagues and family who pick up work they leave behind.
Customers who are understanding when told work may be delayed because
‘‘they’ve just gone off to respond to an emergency.’’
Employing a volunteer can be a balancing act, but is worth the reward.
As well as giving back to their community, employers can benefit from the many transferable skills Fire and Emergency volunteers can bring to their business – like first aid, problem solving and leadership.
It makes me very proud whenever I see local businesses displaying their Proud
Employer mark – on their vehicles, store windows, offices, websites and even television ads.
The mark shows the vital contribution the business makes to their community by supporting Fire and Emergency volunteers and enabling emergency response during the work day.
The mark is a stylised flame in the shape of a matau or fishhook which represents a responsibility to protect and serve New Zealand communities, land and property.
The entwined lines represent the collaboration between volunteers, their employers, and Fire and Emergency.
Here in Tauranga, there are more than 25 businesses registered as employing Fire and Emergency volunteers.
Big companies like Fonterra, The Warehouse and BNZ, as well as local employers like
Tauranga Hardware and Plumbing and Papamoa College.
Nearly 4500 business across New Zealand are registered as an employer of Fire and Emergency volunteers.
To all the Fire and Emergency volunteers, thank you for everything you do for your community.
Our communities are safer and stronger because of you.
To all businesses that employ Fire and Emergency volunteers and self-employed volunteers, thank you.
Thank you for serving your community and your role in keeping your community safe.
Thank you for being part of the Fire and Emergency support crew.
Jan Tinetti is minister of internal affairs, and women, and associate minister of education