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NZ Volunteer Firefighters Demand Mental Health ACC Coverage

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. efighters-demand-mental-health-acc-coverage.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 1:45 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locales: Northland, Bay of Plenty, Southland, NEW ZEALAND

Wellington, NZ - February 26, 2026 - Volunteer firefighters across New Zealand are renewing their urgent calls for the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to extend its coverage to include mental health support following traumatic incidents. The plea comes amidst growing concerns about the psychological wellbeing of volunteer crews, underscored by a recent near-miss involving a building collapse that deeply affected a local brigade.

The Volunteer Firefighters Association (VFA), spearheading the campaign, argues that the current ACC framework fails to adequately address the unique mental health challenges faced by those who selflessly risk their lives to protect communities. For years, the VFA has championed the principle that volunteer firefighters should receive the same level of psychological support as their professionally employed counterparts.

"The dedication of our volunteers is unwavering, but it comes at a cost," explains Honi Ryan, President of the VFA. "They face the same harrowing scenes and potentially life-threatening situations as career firefighters, yet they often lack access to the crucial mental health resources needed to process those experiences. This disparity is unacceptable."

The core issue lies in the limitations of the current ACC legislation, which primarily focuses on physical injuries. While firefighters are covered for physical harm sustained in the line of duty, mental health injuries - such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression - are often not recognized as legitimate claims, leaving many volunteers to shoulder the emotional burden alone.

This silence, Ms. Ryan emphasizes, is deeply damaging. "Many firefighters fear being perceived as weak or a burden, hindering them from seeking the help they desperately need. This can lead to prolonged suffering, burnout, and, tragically, some are forced to leave the service altogether, depriving communities of valuable resources."

The recent incident involving a partially collapsed building serves as a stark reminder of the psychological toll. Firefighters responding to the emergency were briefly trapped, facing not only the immediate danger of structural failure but also the intense emotional stress of fearing for their own lives and the lives of their colleagues. The VFA reports that the crew continues to grapple with the aftermath, highlighting the long-lasting impact of such events.

The VFA's argument centers on the principle of equitable treatment. "The logic is simple," Ms. Ryan states. "If a firefighter sustains a broken leg while saving someone, ACC provides comprehensive cover. Why should a broken spirit be treated any differently? Mental health is health, and injuries to psychological wellbeing deserve the same level of care and compensation."

The association isn't advocating for a handout, but rather for a fundamental shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed within the emergency services framework. They believe a proactive approach, offering readily available mental health support, can prevent long-term suffering and ensure the continued wellbeing of volunteer firefighters. This support could include access to counseling services, trauma-informed therapy, peer support groups, and early intervention programs.

Beyond the moral imperative, experts argue that providing mental health support for volunteer firefighters is a sound investment. Untreated PTSD and other mental health conditions can lead to decreased performance, increased sick leave, and ultimately, a decline in volunteer numbers. A mentally healthy and supported fire service is a more effective and sustainable fire service.

ACC has acknowledged the VFA's concerns and stated they are reviewing the current legislation. However, the VFA is urging the government to expedite the process, arguing that every day of delay puts more volunteers at risk. The association plans to present a comprehensive proposal outlining the financial implications of extending ACC coverage and the potential benefits of a mentally healthy volunteer fire service. The debate is expected to intensify in the coming months, as the VFA continues to raise awareness and lobby for change, aiming to finally secure the mental health parity that volunteer firefighters deserve.

The VFA is also launching a nationwide awareness campaign, encouraging firefighters to prioritize their mental wellbeing and seek help when needed. Resources and support information are available on the VFA website [fictional website address - vfa.nz].