City to ‘bang drum’ for more Fire and Emergency resource in Hamilton

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe says Hamilton’s growth warrants more firefighters and other emergency resources.

Hamilton’s mayor and councillors say its time to ‘bang the drum’ and fight for better emergency resources for the city.

Several councillors are warning the city’s firefighting capacity is under significant strain as Hamilton’s population approaches 200,000.

They said increasing callouts, urban growth and expanding industrial areas are placing pressure on response times, with some crews relying on volunteer firefighters from outside the city.

“The city and council has for some six to 10 years been quietly lobbying and quietly talking about the desperate need for extra fire and emergency services for the city,’’ long-serving councillor Angela O’Leary said.

“Our fire and emergency team are at their limit. It is time for us, for this city, for this council to become the squeaky wheel, quite frankly.

The council has been quietly lobbying for more fire and emergency services for Hamilton, Councillor Angela O’Leary said.

“We need to get on a plane, we need to go down to Wellington, and we need to be a flea in somebody's ear because we have had Fire and Emergency, turning up, and telling us for many years, that we are at a critical point.

“Something needs to change and if we need to lead New Zealand on this and put pressure on the government, any government, then we need to do that, because if something happens, we simply just don't want to think about it, do we?’’

Sarah Thomson echoed those words.

“We need to be strong voice to ensure that our residents, when there is an emergency, can rely on the fact that there will be a quick response.’’

Councillors Graeme Mead and Sue Moroney also agreed the situation was “not acceptable’’ and had reached a “critical point”, both calling for a more forceful approach in lobbying central government.

Hamilton is a least one fire station short, NZ Professional Firefighters Union local secretary Jay Culhane has told councillors.

Mayor Tim Macindoe also signalled support, saying council leadership would “bang the drum” in Wellington to secure additional resources, including the possibility of a new station in a strategic location.

“I absolutely accept my role as mayor should be showing a leading position on this, and I will be happily getting on any plane to go into any minister's office to bang the drum for our city. We need that extra capacity.’’

Councillors were responding to fears raised by NZ Professional Firefighters Union local secretary Jay Culhane, who warned the city is one, maybe two fire stations short to meet capacity.

He told a recent HCC Community Commitee meeting that current staffing levels were resulting in delayed responses and increasing reliance on volunteer brigades from outside Hamilton.

“Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities. That growth is well understood and planned for across transport, housing, and infrastructure. However, emergency response capability has not kept pace at the same rate.

“This is not a new issue. A Strategic Network Plan developed over a decade ago identified the need for a four-station model to support Hamilton’s growth, along with changes to station locations and capacity. Those pressures are now being experienced in real time.’’

Responding to The Waikato Times, Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler denied there was any delay on assessing the city’s needs.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand recognises the importance of our Future Operating Capability work and it remains a priority. It is not stalled.

“The use of both career and volunteer firefighters is a fundamental part of our operating model. We are mindful of the impact this can have on volunteer availability.’’