The New Zealand Fire Service and New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have reached settlement on a new collective employment agreement to cover firefighters, officers, Communication Centre and 'Black Watch' uniformed staff..

The NZPFU Executive will now undertake the formal ratification process, and will be recommending acceptance of the offer to their members.

Fire Service Chief Executive and National Commander Paul Baxter said he is looking forward to building a stronger relationship with the union so they can work together to provide the adaptable and broad emergency service needed by the New Zealand public.

He said the proposed settlement is a pragmatic one that reflects the current economic environment and also the fact that the contract expired over a year ago.  The agreement includes changes to the contract to support more flexible work patterns.