The purpose of the Society

We are here when you need us, when life throws you a curve ball. We are only ever a phone call away. We have a network of people around the country who can assist you and your family in times of need. We are the Society that is here to help when you least expect it, and when you most need it.

Our Society offers a range of other benefits including financial help and holiday homes at reasonable rates for you and your family to have a break, or to convalesce.

Heathcare99 Closure Notice
Key Dates and Information

At the recent AGM held on the 26th of August 2025, members voted to wind up the Healthcare99 fund and accept the proposal from NIB. 

The decision to cease the fund after many years was not made lightly. The fund’s aging demographic and declining membership, reflects the ongoing challenges in sustaining the fund’s viability.

As we prepare to wind down Healthcare99, the Board and Staff would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported the fund over the years.  From its inception, Healthcare99 was a unique initiative, built on community values and mutual care.

We would like to acknowledge Christine and the team from Gallagher Bassett for the support they have shown our members.

While this chapter is ending, the legacy of Healthcare99 lives on in the impact it made and the members it served.

Healthcare99 Service Ends

Healthcare99 will officially cease to operate on 1 October 2025. 
Your New Zealand Firefighters Welfare membership will remain unaffected.

No Healthcare99 claims will be accepted if received after this date.

Healthcare99 Fortnightly payments

Final Fortnightly Payments will be processed on 17 September 2025 (Pay 13).  This will take your Healthcare99 cover up to 1 October 2025.  The office will advise Payroll and adjust the Direct Debits.

Healthcare99 Monthly Payers

No payment will be taken on the 20 September 2025.  Coverage will end from this date onwards.

Healthcare99 Credit Card, 1/4ly, 6 monthly, Annual Account Payers

No accounts will be sent or credit cards charged for Healthcare99 from 1 October – Coverage will end from this date onwards.

Booking Dates for Holiday Homes

We’ve added a table to the holiday homes page that makes it easy to see when bookings open depending on when you want to stay.

You can find the table here.

Important Update for Whangamata

We would like to share some important news regarding our holiday home.

On 6th July 2025, our wonderful caretakers, Jan and Richard, will be retiring. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.

Until a suitable replacement is found, sheets, pillowcases  and towels will not be provided at the home. Members will need to bring their own linen for their stay. However, blankets, duvets, and pillows will continue to be available.

Additionally, it is each member’s responsibility to clean the home upon departure. Failure to do so will result in a cleaning fee.

Firefighters Helping Firefighters: A Personal Journey Through Crisis and Community

By Michelle Smith

For as long as I can remember, the fire service has been part of my DNA. Raised in the heart of
the fire community by my mother, Lesina Walden, and my late father, Les Peters, I’ve spent a
lifetime surrounded by those who run toward danger when others run away. Read more here.

See how we help our members

Get a true insight into the unique assistance the New Zealand Firefighters Welfare Society provides to its members with this first-hand account, kindly provided by Craig Prince and his family. From the benefits of a financial contribution on the birth of a baby and holiday home stays, nothing compared to how the Station Reps and office team rallied around when their youngest child became hospitalised with an unknown illness. Read the first-hand account here.

Stay up to date with the latest news

See the latest update from 8 May 2025.