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Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand Inc.

Welcome....

FRFANZ is a national association that represents people and organisations concerned with fire and fire protection in the forests and rural areas of New Zealand. Responsibility for fires in these areas lies with the Rural Fire Authorities (RFA); there are 86 RFA’s covering 97% of the land area of NZ. The remaining 3% is urban fire district area for which the New Zealand Fire Service, a national organisation, is responsible.

The National Rural Fire Authority is tasked with the co-ordination of the RFA’s at a national level. However, delivery of rural fire protection and suppression of wildland fires remains with the rural fire services that are funded and overseen by RFA’s. RFA’s can be territorial local authorities, statutory committees, government departments and military. Therefore, the rural fire services are much more diverse that the urban fire service. FRFANZ’s role is to develop and provide communication links between all those involved in rural fire from the firefighters to national administrators. The Association meets its role in many ways, including holding annual conferences with overseas speakers, promoting rural fire competitions, sharing information, lobbying, assisting with the publication of research reports, and providing service honours to firefighters.

Structure
FRFANZ is organised by a Committee elected every two years by voting members at the Annual General Meeting. As membership covers a wide variety of organisations and specific interests, FRFANZ is seen as the only national association that effectively represents all those involved in rural fire matters.

FRFANZ Objective
“to improve the effectiveness of rural fire fighting, fire prevention and protection measures by all means, including the encouragement of research”

Who Can Join?
Full membership is open to individuals and volunteer rural fire forces with an interest in the objectives of the association. The Constitution can be downloaded for viewing, and a membership application can also be downloaded. Affiliate membership is for organisations. Fees are set by the Committee for each year commencing 1 May. Current fees are $35 for full members, and $75 for affiliate members.

Why Should You Join?
There is virtually no part of New Zealand that has not at some time suffered disastrous vegetation fires. Unfortunately, the national and regional bureaucracies often seem to regard forest and rural fire protection as a matter that can be swept under the carpet. The stronger and more varied its membership, the better FRFANZ can help to ensure that New Zealand has effective protection from forest and rural fires. If you have an interest in rural fire protection then FRFANZ can be useful to you. It will give you information, promote your interests, and be an effective, united voice at the highest level to ensure forest and rural fires issues are considered seriously. FRFANZ organises annual conferences and competitions, and has honours available to recognise years of service given to rural fire control.