Statement from the United Fire Brigades of NZ

Friday 25 July 2008

Press statement from the United Fire Brigades of New Zealand

The United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand has an interim financial deficit for the year ending 30 June 2008 of just under $450,000.

UFBA board chair Peter Guard said that appropriate measures are being put in place to deal with the deficit, which is still subject to audit.

“The problem stems from planning for a range of events and operations undertaken by the UFBA. The costs of these events were significantly under-estimated. There was also over spending in other areas.

“The UFBA relies on fund-raising from supporters and grants from the Fire Service Commission for its funding. We are primarily volunteers serving our communities, and we must take the utmost care in the way we manage and spend these resources.

“In March of this year, the UFBA board was first made aware of the significant budget deficit for the 2007/08 year. On learning of these difficulties, the board immediately undertook measures to deal with this.

“Board members have considered their positions. We have learnt some very important lessons, and have put in place measures to ensure that similar mistakes are not repeated in future.

“Our Chief Executive has resigned, so we moved to appoint, with the support of the Commission, an acting Chief Executive and an acting Financial Controller.

“We have worked with the Fire Services Commission and put in place measures which will ensure the continued financial viability of the UFBA. Some operations may be reduced or delayed as the new management works to ensure to live within our means,” Mr Guard said.

Ends

© Scoop Media