RESOURCES

The NZPFU is a key partner with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Through reducing the likelihood of unwanted fires, reducing consequences from emergencies and helping build resilient communities we contribute to a safer environment for New Zealanders.

Our members serve their communities to protect and preserve life, property and the environment. NZPFU representatives are based on all career fire stations. There are also 19 Union Locals in the major metropolitan and principal centres where career firefighters are employed.

The NZPFU plays a crucial role in the lives of Fire and Emergency New Zealand employees and makes a significant contribution to the culture of the organisation. 

How the NZPFU can benefit you

• Coverage by the Collective Agreement
• Representation and advocacy in all matters relating to and arising out of employment
• Representation and advocacy on behalf of career firefighters with central Government and agencies, the NZ Council of Trade Unions and the wider trade union movement including international forums
• Limited provision of Group Life/Total and Partial Disability Insurance
• Nominations of members' representatives as trustees onto the Firesuper Scheme

To join online and become a member of the NZPFU, please complete our online membership application.

The NZPFU National Committee is thrilled to announce an enhanced income protection/life policy available for members. To be covered by this policy please complete and sign the Authorisation Declaration and Direct Debit Authority and email to wellington@nzpfu.org.nz.

HIGHLIGHTS

• up to $400,000 death benefit from an at-work injury
• serious trauma, broken bones and dental injury benefits
• no requirement to exhaust your sick leave
• cover for amateur & extreme sports injuries

A snapshot of the NZPFU Group Policy includes:

• A group cover scheme so everyone is accepted under the scheme with the same premium regardless of age etc
• 7-day stand-down period for injury claims and 14 days for illness claims with weekly benefits paid fortnightly
• 100% income protection paid up to maximum of $3000 per week (including overtime and allowances) for maximum of 104 weeks if unable to work  as a result of an injury or sickness
• Top-up to 100% income for those on ACC
• All cancers, most illnesses and injuries covered  
• Sporting injuries covered (26 weeks income protection)
• 13 week mental health benefit and confidential counselling service and support available 24/7
• Up to $400,000 death benefit for work injury and $100,000 for death outside of work
• Cover up to 75th birthday (maximum income protection cover 104 weeks up to 65 years of age, 52 weeks for those aged 65-69 and 26 weeks for 70-74 year-olds)
• Range of permanent disability benefits up to $87,500 (which do not affect weekly income protection benefits)
• Pre-existing conditions covered if since joining the policy the member has been able to cease all treatment and advice for 6 consecutive months (with the agreement of their doctor) and further treatment was not likely, expected or inevitable.
• Degenerative conditions covered (26 weeks income protection)
• Dental benefits (injury only) up to $1500 per tooth for members and their dependants/spouse and broken bone benefits up to $9500
• Cover for complications including childbirth or miscarriage in the first 33 weeks of pregnancy
• Other benefits include $10k funeral expenses cover, $10k heart attack and stroke benefits, home help benefits up to $250/week, up to $25k rehabilitation and return to work benefits including reimbursement of costs to travel to medical appointments  
• Dedicated claims support personnel separate to the insurer with current claim acceptance rate of 97%

“The NZPFU has a proud history of protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of members. Our members put their quality and quantity of life on the line to serve and protect the community. Income protection insurance provides the necessary financial security for sick or injured members to focus on treatment and recovery.”

Wattie Watson - NZPFU National Secretary

HOW TO BE COVERED BY THE INCOME PROTECTION POLICY

To join, NZPFU members must complete and sign the authorisation declaration and the direct debit authority in the one document and return to wellington@nzpfu.org.nz.

• The authorisation and declaration is necessary for acceptance on the group scheme.
• The direct debit form must also be completed and signed to ensure that $50 per week is deducted by direct debit from your personal bank account to the NZPFU Insurance account and the premiums will then be paid to the insurer post tax.   

The long-awaited information to access the blood screening programme for firefighters, trainers and fire investigators is here!

This was a significant part of the health and wellbeing programme that the NZPFU achieved in the bargaining for the current CEA.  Similar programmes internationally have proven to save lives through the early detection of changes and early diagnosis resulting in more options for treatment and better chances of recovery.

Career firefighters, trainers and fire investigators who are members of the NZPFU can access the blood screening programme funded by FENZ up to $250 per year or $500 every two years. The purpose of this programme is to have our members who are exposed to the hazards of a fireground access appropriate blood testing for a baseline and then ongoing monitoring against that baseline for occupational illnesses and disease including cancers and heart disease.

The programme is based on the life-saving Christchurch programme that was established by the Local and implemented by the MeNZ Clinic under the guidance of Dr Lewis Ball.  Dr Ball has generously provided the guidance information we attach.

The goal is to have Locals arrange the implementation of the programme through designated medical centres and GPs in their area. That will ensure annual reminders to the members who are participating in the programme to be  re-tested and to have those results discussed against the previous year’s results. The other options are to organise by Station or District or to organise your own testing with your GP.

Please see the downloads below:

To provide to your GP:

Members are covered for a lump sum of $100,000 payable in the event of your death or diagnosis of a terminal illness before age 70. 

The policy can also be used as an assignment for mortgage guarantee purposes. 

Members of the Union are able to have premiums deducted from their wages by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and directed to the Union who, acting as agent, passes the money on to the Insurance Company.

If you leave the Union you have the option to continue your insurance under a personal policy at your own expense with no further health evidence required. 

Information including the application form is attached below.

COST: 
$24.61 per fortnight

From 1st April 2019 new members to the insurance scheme will be required to complete an application form and health information before cover can be confirmed.

BENEFITS:
Loss of Life  (includes terminal illness diagnosis within 12 months)	$100,000