New Zealand Firefighters Welfare Society
Firefighters helping firefighters and their families
Awhi atu awhi mai ō rātou whānau
Our name says it all. We are here to help.
We are governed by an independent Board elected by members from our members. We support Career, Volunteer Firefighters and Administration staff.
Give us a call on 0800 65 34 73 any time with any questions you may have.
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.
As a member of the NZ Firefighters Welfare Society you are also eligible to join Healthcare99 for an extra cost for additional support when healthcare needs arise.
Our proud history
Whilst sitting around a table one day, a group of Firefighters wanted to do something to support their colleagues and their families in times of need. Money was put into a biscuit tin to be given to those who needed support – this was the beginning of our organisation and firefighters helping firefighters. Thirty plus years on our ethos is the same, we are here to Support you and your family. Firefighters helping Firefighters and their families. Read more about our history here.
Latest updates
Christmas Closing Hours
Our office will be closed from lunchtime
23rd December 2025 and will reopen 9.00 am
5 January 2026.
If you require support over this period, please contact your region rep.
Thanks to all our members for their continued support – have a great Christmas.
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.
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.
Healthcare99 Pre-Approvals
The last date to submit a pre-approval is 5pm 2 September 2025
Preapprovals will only be paid if the claim has been approved and an acceptance letter has been received prior to 5pm on 2 September 2025, and sufficient funds in Healthcare99 exist.
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.
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