The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union has cancelled today’s nationwide strike as firefighters respond to severe weather events across the country.
The one-hour strike was due to begin at midday today, Wednesday 8 July.
NZPFU said members had been deployed to affected regions to support and rescue people caught in extreme weather.
Water rescue teams have been sent to Kaikōura, while other members deployed to Blenheim have been cleaning up or heading home after working in difficult conditions.
The union said members in 111 emergency dispatch centres had also been working hard, with another busy shift expected today.
The wider Wellington region is bracing for strong winds, which NZPFU said were expected to rise to severe gales.
Heavy rain warnings were also in place for Wairarapa, while Horowhenua, Manawatū, Taihape, Tararua and Hawke’s Bay were under a heavy rain watch.
NZPFU said it supported members who were working to protect and rescue storm-hit communities.
The next strike is scheduled for 12 noon on Friday 10 July.
Strike event details are listed at direemergency.nz/events.
