The government has announced a $4 milion-a-year package for Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s (FENZ) volunteers.

Comprised of six initiatives, the package would give volunteers access to health insurance, a $300 annual payment for incurred expenses as part of FENZ activities; a $50 allowance per night to support the family/whānau of volunteers when they have to be away overnight for training; access to a website offering discounts on a range of products and services; discounts with FENZ suppliers on day-to-day items; and an employer promotion scheme to complement FENZ’s current employer recognition programme.

Speaking at an event at the Paekakariki Fire Station to kick-start National Volunteer Week, Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin said the package recognises the contribution and efforts volunteer firefighters make to keep communities across New Zealand safe.

“Our volunteers are a passionate and committed group of people,” Martin said. “Just as they’re there for us when we need them, we want to be there for them so that they can better serve their communities.”

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Volunteers make up 80% of FENZ’s personnel and are first to the scene at over 31,000 incidents each year, including motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and structure and vegetation fires.

The minister added consultation on a further set of initiatives will begin shortly.