National Fire Brigades Cadet Programme

Developing Future Leaders. Strengthening Communities.

Welcome to the National Fire Brigades Cadet Programme, a collaborative initiative supporting volunteer fire brigade cadet and youth programmes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Established by the National Working Group under the guidance of the New Zealand Fire Brigades Institute (NZFBI), the programme provides nationally consistent policies, procedures, safeguarding standards, and operational guidance for volunteer fire brigades delivering youth cadet programmes.

While local brigades remain at the heart of every cadet programme, we provide the national framework that helps ensure every young person has access to a safe, professional, and rewarding experience.

What is a Fire Brigade Cadet Programme?

Fire brigade cadet programmes give young people the opportunity to:

• Develop leadership skills

• Build confidence and resilience

• Learn teamwork and communication

• Participate in community service

• Gain an understanding of the fire and emergency services

• Develop practical life skills

• Build lasting friendships

• Become active members of their local community

Cadet programmes are designed to empower young people while strengthening the connection between volunteer fire brigades and the communities they proudly serve.

Our History

Volunteer fire brigade cadet programmes have been operating throughout New Zealand for more than two decades.

Long-standing programmes such as Waimangaroa and Kawakawa, alongside newer initiatives like Dunsandel, have demonstrated the positive impact that youth development can have on communities, volunteer recruitment, leadership, and succession planning.

Historically, each brigade developed its own programme independently. While this created many successful local initiatives, it also resulted in varying standards, policies, and safeguarding practices.

The National Fire Brigades Cadet Programme was established to bring these programmes together under a nationally supported framework while allowing each brigade to retain its own identity and community focus.

A Nationally Supported Framework

The National Working Group exists to support brigades—not replace local leadership.

Although Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) does not currently operate a nationally mandated cadet programme, we work constructively alongside FENZ to ensure our guidance aligns with their values, strategic direction, and commitment to safety.

We provide:

• National policies and procedures

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Child Protection and Safeguarding Frameworks

• Codes of Conduct

• Training guidance

• Risk assessment templates

• Governance resources

• Programme development support

• Ongoing support for brigade leadership

Together, these resources help volunteer brigades establish and maintain safe, consistent, and sustainable cadet programmes.

Why We Exist

Our programme is built around four key priorities.

Consistency

Developing nationally aligned standards while allowing local flexibility.

Safeguarding

Providing robust child protection frameworks that meet New Zealand legislative requirements, including the Children's Act 2014.

Support

Giving brigades access to professionally developed policies, procedures, templates, and guidance so they don't have to start from scratch.

Sustainability

Supporting the future of volunteer firefighting by investing in youth leadership, volunteer succession, and stronger community engagement.

Safeguarding Comes First

The safety and wellbeing of every cadet is our highest priority.

Every young person deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive.

Our safeguarding framework promotes best practice through:

• Police Vetting and Children's Worker Safety Checks

• Child Protection Policies

• Safeguarding Training

• Volunteer Screening

• Professional Boundary Guidelines

• Reporting and Complaint Procedures

• Digital Safety Standards

• Documented Risk Assessments

• Hazard Management

• Preferred supervision ratio of 1:6 (maximum 1:8), with a minimum of two approved adult leaders present during activities

Creating safe environments for young people is fundamental to every successful cadet programme.

Supporting Local Brigades

Every brigade is unique.

The National Programme has been intentionally designed to provide flexibility, allowing brigades to tailor their programme to suit local resources and community needs while maintaining nationally recognised standards.

Whether a brigade meets weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, our framework supports local decision-making while promoting consistency across New Zealand.

Cadet Leaders also have access to a growing national support network where resources, ideas, and experiences are shared between brigades.

Starting a Cadet Programme

Interested in establishing a cadet programme?

We provide a structured onboarding pathway to help brigades get started.

Recommended Process

1. Discuss the programme with your Chief Fire Officer and District Manager.

2. Appoint a Cadet Leader and Instructor team.

3. Access national policies, SOPs, safeguarding resources, and templates.

4. Complete safeguarding and leadership training.

5. Launch your programme with ongoing support from the National Working Group.

Our Vision

To develop confident, capable, and community-minded young people through safe, inclusive, and nationally supported volunteer fire brigade cadet programmes.

Our Core Values

Kia Tika
We do the right thing.

Manaakitanga
We serve and support others.

Whanaungatanga
We are stronger together.

Auahatanga
We continuously improve.

Governance

The National Fire Brigades Cadet Programme is led by the National Working Group under the guidance of the New Zealand Fire Brigades Institute (NZFBI).

The Working Group brings together experienced volunteer leaders from across New Zealand who are committed to sharing knowledge, developing best practice, and supporting brigades to deliver high-quality youth programmes.

Get Involved

Whether you're:

• A brigade looking to establish a cadet programme

• A parent seeking opportunities for a young person

• A volunteer wanting to become involved

• A community member interested in learning more

we're here to help.

Together we're building future leaders, strengthening volunteer brigades, and creating safer, more connected communities.

Disclaimer

While the National Fire Brigades Cadet Programme aligns with Fire and Emergency New Zealand values and principles, it is not currently a nationally mandated FENZ programme.

Responsibility for recruitment, safeguarding, programme delivery, and day-to-day governance remains with each participating volunteer fire brigade.

Contact the National Working Group