Concerns that banning the use of boats and jet skis by fire stations is a box ticking exercise. 

Fire and Emergency NZ banned the use of all powered watercrafts by local fire stations in May of 2025. 

The decision means that Waikato’s volunteer fire stations are unable to use their jet skis and boat during emergency situations on the Waikato River. 

Yesterday saw Fire and Emergency face tough questioning on the subject at the Governance and Administration Select Committee.  

Waikato MP Tim van de Molen told Kerre Woodham it’s a classic case of bureaucracy and red tape stifling practical, common-sense solutions.  

He says that every brigade needs to be able to operate to safe standards, but the brigades in question have undertaken significant effort to ensure they’re doing exactly that.  

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