Recognition for work with Māori communities

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has been awarded the Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended recognition in the Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Tiriti Tohu category at the Diversity Awards.

This recognition, highlights FENZ’s efforts in strengthening its cultural capability and fostering better engagement with Māori as tangata whenua.

The award underscores the organisation’s commitment to improving its services by enhancing its internal understanding and respect for Māori culture.

FENZ’s Deputy Chief Executive for Kaupapa Māori and Cultural Communities, Piki Thomas, stated: “Our organisation is committed to strengthening our cultural understanding and building relationships with Māori in culturally appropriate ways.”

The development of the He Tīmatanga Kōrero resource is a key part of this initiative, aimed at increasing cultural knowledge and capability within the organisation.

He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative

The He Tīmatanga Kōrero – An introductory guide to Kaupapa Māori – is a resource created by FENZ to promote understanding of Māori culture within the organisation.

This resource, illustrated and accessible to all FENZ members, symbolises the organisation’s commitment to integrating Māori perspectives into its operations.

Piki Thomas noted that over 2,700 FENZ personnel have completed the He Tīmatanga Kōrero course and received a Tohu pin as a mark of their commitment to ongoing cultural education.

“The creation of He Tīmatanga Kōrero was an important step in this journey,” said Thomas.

The guide serves as a foundation for FENZ members to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori and encourages further learning and engagement.

Commitment to ongoing cultural development

FENZ’s efforts to improve cultural capability are seen as a continuous process.

The organisation’s dedication to bettering outcomes for Māori is reflected in its daily operations and long-term strategies.

The recognition at the Diversity Awards serves as an endorsement of these ongoing efforts, with the He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative playing a crucial role.

Piki Thomas emphasized that the award is a reflection of the collective effort within FENZ: “This Diversity Award is a reflection of everyone across our organisation who dedicates their knowledge and time to work towards better outcomes for Māori, both within Fire and Emergency and in the public.”

Future aspirations and ongoing dedication

Looking ahead, FENZ aims to maintain and strengthen its commitment to Māori communities.

The organisation views the recognition as motivation to continue its work in culturally appropriate ways and to build on the foundation laid by the He Tīmatanga Kōrero initiative.

“We are honoured to receive this award and will continue to uphold our commitment to Māori in our mahi each day,” said Piki Thomas, reiterating FENZ’s ongoing dedication to fostering positive outcomes for Māori through continued learning and engagement.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand recognised for Māori cultural engagement: Summary

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has received the Medium-Large Organisation Highly Commended recognition in the Ngā Āhuatanga o Te Tiriti Tohu category at the Diversity Awards.

The award recognises the organisation’s commitment to improving cultural capability and fostering better engagement with Māori as tangata whenua.

Central to these efforts is the He Tīmatanga Kōrero resource, which promotes understanding of Māori culture within FENZ.

Over 2,700 personnel have completed this course, symbolising their commitment to cultural education.

The award reflects the collective efforts within FENZ to enhance outcomes for Māori and serves as motivation for future initiatives.