Section 47C (4) of the Fire Service Act 1975 authorises the New Zealand Fire Service to charge for false alarms. The current charges for a false alarm that falls into the charging policy POLFA7.5 [Download PDF, Acrobat 5.0 or later, 148KB] are $1000 plus GST. The policy explains in detail the charging of unwanted false alarms.

Alarm Systems effected

The charging policy relates to any call to a fire alarm system, security system with smoke detection, or a security system. The policy relates to systems which are directly connected to the Fire Service, as well as those monitored by security or privately monitored companies. Systems which are not monitored are also covered by the charging policy.

Fire Service Charges

The charges are aimed at recovering some of the costs of the Fire Service response given, and should not be considered a fine. They are also intended to be an incentive to reduce false alarms. Charges are only invoiced after we receive more than two calls which are considered chargeable in the previous twelve months from the latest chargeable activation. If a charge is disputed then a letter must be sent to the false alarm administrator with details of that dispute. Any information regarding what work has been carried out to prevent further activations, including the costs should be included.

False Alarm Administrator

Is located at NHQ in Wellington and deals with initial enquires and the invoicing of charges. When a dispute letter is received, the administrator will forward that to the person who deals with the disputes for the Fire Region concerned.

Contact details are:
Phone 04 496 3673
Fax 04 471 1791
Email falsealarm.administrator@fire.org.nz