From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 50s
Firefighter Training Report Reveals 'Beasting' Claims
Firefighter training report cites disputed 'beasting' claims and safety gaps.
In brief
Firefighter training report cites disputed 'beasting' claims and safety gaps. Fire and Emergency's training report found outdated methods and safety risks but disputed 'beasting' claims, with FENZ launching a reset for recruits only. Originally reported by RNZ.
Training Report Finds Deficiencies
A Fire and Emergency report revealed major flaws in firefighter training including outdated methods and unsafe learning environments.
Disputed 'Beasting' Claim
The report cited a military-style approach called 'beasting' to belittle trainees but FENZ denied it is part of their training.
FENZ Launches Training Reset
Fire and Emergency initiated a short training reset for new recruits and volunteers but blocked extending it to 1000+ career firefighters.
National Training Leader Blocks Extension
Joe Stanley, national president of the Professional Firefighters' Union, said extending the reset would be 'going down the wrong path'.
Minister Unaware of Report
Minister Brooke van Velden admitted she was not made aware of the 2025 report which shaped this year's training redesign.
Beasting Not Confirmed
The United Fire Brigades' Association reported one case of verbal belittling but FENZ said 'beasting' was not part of their training.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
The report cited deaths of two volunteer firefighters in Muriwai landslide and a volunteer injured by car as safety gaps.
Training Systemic Inconsistency
The report found systemic inconsistency in training leading to variable outcomes and outdated facilities.
FENZ's Safety Improvements
FENZ revised guidelines to embed safety concepts and now have revised safe-person and risk assessments in every practical lesson.
Training Reset Limited Scope
FENZ's reset focuses on recruit courses but career firefighter training remains unchanged.
FENZ Faces Pressure
FENZ's chief executive quit after Minister Brooke van Velden expressed lack of confidence in him.
Beasting Disputed
Joe Stanley rejected the 'beasting' claim entirely, saying he has never seen any beasting in training.
The big picture
Fire and Emergency's training report found outdated methods and safety risks but disputed 'beasting' claims, with FENZ launching a reset for recruits only.
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