Firefighters are launching industrial action on Monday, in a push for safer working conditions and higher wages.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The Professional Firefighters Union said Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) had failed to employ enough career firefighters and forced some stations to close.
Some firefighters were barely paid the adult minimum wage, it said.
The union said FENZ's current offer devalued and disrespected the work staff do and the inherent risks to their health, safety and well-being.
It said the strike was largely behind the scenes and would not affect crew responses to fires and emergencies.
The union and firefighters have been outspoken about a series of ongoing issues with staffing, resources, equipment, and truck maintenance, which it said puts people in danger - those affected by fires and emergencies, as well as firefighters.
The organisation had also faced complaints about problems surrounding its internal culture, bullying and sexual harassment.