A fire fighters' trade union is criticising the Fire Service Commission for a lack of consultation over the future of the Fire Service.
United Fire Brigades Association director Rick Braddock says there is a lot of ill feeling between the association and the commission over the way decisions are made and enforced.
At the association's annual conference in Auckland on Saturday, Mr Braddock said brigades are being asked to do more medical work, which may deter many volunteers from joining.
He said better consultation is needed between the two organisations to ensure volunteers are treated well and kept informed of changes.