Fire & Emergency New Zealand Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fire & Emergency New Zealand has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, service delivery, human resources, financial management, organizational coordination, and honorary governance.

Committed to public safety, Fire & Emergency New Zealand delivers essential fire prevention resources and emergency response services across all urban and rural communities nationwide.

Leadership Roles at Fire & Emergency New Zealand

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kerry Gregory
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander - Megan Stiffler
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People - Brendan Nally
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ian Walker
  • President and Life Honoury Member - Rick Coburn
  • Chief of Staff - Becks Kearns
  • Kerry Gregory - Chief Executive Officer

    Kerry Gregory, the Chief Executive Officer at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, directs the overarching strategic vision for the national firefighting organization. Overseeing the integration of urban and rural emergency services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with national safety mandates and public protection goals. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving organizational transformation to enhance operational readiness. By prioritizing community engagement and fire safety education, Kerry Gregory directly impacts the efficacy of national hazard prevention programs. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of resource allocation to support firefighters and support personnel across the country. Through consistent focus on modernization and service excellence, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term stability of the organization. Gregory fosters a culture of preparedness, ensuring that every household and business receives critical safety information while maintaining high standards for emergency response capabilities throughout the diverse regions of New Zealand.

    Megan Stiffler - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander

    Megan Stiffler, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, manages all frontline emergency response and operational deployment strategies. Overseeing the coordination of firefighting units across diverse geographic landscapes, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander ensures rapid and effective intervention during critical incidents. This leadership role involves optimizing the deployment of personnel and equipment to maximize public safety outcomes. By implementing advanced hazard prevention protocols, Megan Stiffler directly influences the operational readiness of the entire service delivery network. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander collaborates with regional leaders to standardize response procedures and enhance community resilience. Stiffler drives the execution of national safety initiatives, ensuring that every operational unit maintains peak performance levels. Through strategic oversight of field operations, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander guarantees that the organization meets the evolving demands of emergency management.

    Brendan Nally - Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People

    Brendan Nally, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, architects the human capital strategy and workforce development programs for the entire organization. Overseeing recruitment, training, and retention initiatives, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People ensures that the firefighting force remains highly skilled and adequately staffed. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive organizational culture that supports the well-being of all personnel. By implementing comprehensive professional development frameworks, Brendan Nally directly impacts the long-term capability and morale of the workforce. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People collaborates with executive leadership to align staffing levels with operational requirements across urban and rural sectors. Nally drives the adoption of modern HR practices to attract diverse talent and strengthen the organizational foundation. Through strategic management of the workforce, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People ensures that the organization maintains the necessary human resources to deliver essential fire safety services and emergency support to the public.

    Ian Walker - Chief Financial Officer

    Ian Walker, the Chief Financial Officer at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the national firefighting entity. Overseeing financial reporting, procurement, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all operational activities receive adequate funding to meet public safety objectives. This leadership role involves maintaining strict fiscal discipline while supporting the expansion of safety programs and infrastructure. By optimizing financial processes, Ian Walker directly impacts the efficiency and sustainability of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to prioritize investments in technology and equipment that enhance emergency response capabilities. Walker drives the development of long-term financial strategies that account for the unique needs of both urban and rural service areas. Through rigorous oversight of the budget, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to maintain high-quality fire safety regulations and community engagement initiatives, ensuring the organization remains financially resilient while fulfilling its critical mandate.

    Rick Coburn - President and Life Honoury Member

    Rick Coburn, the President and Life Honoury Member at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, provides high-level guidance and represents the historical values of the firefighting community. Overseeing the preservation of organizational heritage and the promotion of long-term institutional standards, the President and Life Honoury Member ensures that the core mission remains central to all modern operations. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on matters of tradition, community trust, and long-term strategic continuity. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and the public, Rick Coburn directly impacts the reputation and standing of the organization. The President and Life Honoury Member supports the advancement of safety initiatives by championing the importance of public awareness and volunteer engagement. Coburn drives the integration of legacy knowledge into contemporary safety programs, ensuring that the organization honors its roots while adapting to modern challenges. Through this advisory capacity, the President and Life Honoury Member secures the enduring commitment of the organization to public service.

    Becks Kearns - Chief of Staff

    Becks Kearns, the Chief of Staff at Fire & Emergency New Zealand, coordinates the executive office and facilitates the seamless execution of strategic initiatives across the organization. Overseeing internal communications and cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff ensures that leadership priorities translate into actionable operational plans. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the executive team and the broader organization to maintain alignment with the national mission. By streamlining administrative processes, Becks Kearns directly impacts the agility and responsiveness of the leadership team. The Chief of Staff supports the development of policy frameworks that guide fire safety regulations and community engagement efforts. Kearns drives the implementation of organizational projects that improve internal efficiency and public service delivery. Through meticulous coordination of executive activities, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains focused on its core objectives, providing the necessary support to maintain high standards of public safety and emergency preparedness across all regions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fire & Emergency New Zealand Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fire & Emergency New Zealand?
    Fire & Emergency New Zealand is led by Kerry Gregory (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Megan Stiffler (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander) and Brendan Nally (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People).
    Who is part of Fire & Emergency New Zealand’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fire & Emergency New Zealand includes leaders such as Kerry Gregory (Chief Executive Officer), Megan Stiffler (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander), Brendan Nally (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fire & Emergency New Zealand have?
    Fire & Emergency New Zealand has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fire & Emergency New Zealand’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fire & Emergency New Zealand includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Service Delivery Operations & National Commander, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, People, Chief Financial Officer, President and Life Honoury Member.