This Supplementary Order Paper inserts new clause 48A to ensure that the Bill provides a new statutory right of access to roads for non-emergency activities in order for emergency services to exercise their functions and powers under clauses 45 and 64 .

In 2015 the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) issued a national order prohibiting emergency services from undertaking training and hydrant-testing activity on all roads without their holding a temporary traffic management plan, as NZFS was concerned about a lack of clarity regarding the need to apply for and hold traffic management plans for non-emergency activities.

This has placed an undue burden on volunteer fire brigades and will stress volunteer time and training and require specialist training that will impact on core skill requirements for volunteers. This may lead to the situation where some volunteer fire brigades cannot resource members with the right qualifications for the necessary activity due to normal fluctuating member availability.

This Supplementary Order Paper provides clarity for fire brigades undertaking non-emergency activities and ensures that NZFS will consult with the New Zealand Transport Agency and Local Government New Zealand in developing traffic policies for non-emergency activities.