Joining a rural fire brigade
Membership
To become a member of a rural fire brigade you need to be at least 16 years of age. Members aged between 16 and 18 years of age are considered Registered Juniors and require their parents’ permission to join.
Criminal History Checks and Blue Card Application Requirements
- All potential recruits over the age of 18 must undertake a Criminal History Check and hold a Blue Card prior to being accepted as a volunteer (excluding those joining a Primary Producer Brigade). A Criminal History Check and applications for a Blue Card are undertaken by the Rural Fire Service as part of the membership application process. Registered Juniors must complete a Criminal History Check and submit a Blue Card Application upon turning 18 years old.
- When you approach the brigade to discuss joining, they will provide you with the Volunteer Application Pack, which includes the consent to a Criminal History Check, and relevant forms relating to your Blue Card Application. You will need to complete these forms, have the authorised officer of the brigade sign the Brigade Endorsement on your application form and have a representative (volunteer or staff) sign the Organisation Declaration on your Blue Card Application form and forward them to your local Area Office. If you already hold a Blue Card for other employment or volunteering purposes, you will be required to link your existing Blue Card to us.
- Your application and accompanying forms will be processed once received by the Rural Fire Service State Office. Please allow 8-12 weeks for your application to be finalised.
- You will receive a letter once your application is finalised. It is important to note, you cannot commence participating with the brigade until you receive your letter with your volunteer ID number and an ID card.
Having a criminal history does not automatically exclude you from joining a brigade. Consideration will be given to the offence and the circumstances surrounding it prior to a final decision being made.
Contacting the brigade
If you are interested in joining a brigade however you are unsure of which brigade is closest to you, use the map below to find your local Rural Fire Brigade contact by typing your address into the search field in the top right hand corner. When the search result is displayed, click zoom to. Alternatively contact the local Rural Fire Service Area Office.
The brigade will vote on your application at the time of initial interest
Forms
Volunteering Application Form (PDF, 2.5 MB)
New Zealand Police Criminal History Check Form (PDF, 350 KB)
Guide to Apply for a Blue Card Online (PDF, 691 KB)
To become a volunteer, you must read and agree to: