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The fire-fighters' union says Fire and Emergency has been far too slow to act over a poor functioning hose.
At a recent fatal house fire in New Plymouth, firefighters searching for people inside the burning home had to pull back when their hose failed.
This type of hose will now be removed across the country, but the union says FENZ's lack of action shows a crisis of mismanagement.
FENZ declined to be interviewed.
It said in a statement the hoses were considered safe to use, were purchased because they were lightweight, but should not be excessively dragged while kinked, especially over rough ground.
"There is now a perception among some firefighters, that the hose is not sufficiently robust when compared to other brands of hose.
"Recognising this, we are now undertaking managed withdrawal and replacement of this hose. This is contingent on backfilling the hose withdrawn from the frontline with a suitable replacement."
Union national secretary Wattie Watson spoke to Susie Ferguson.