1970 saw the first ‘snorkel’ appliance was deployed to Wellington. Now known as a ‘Type 5’ appliance, the snorkels offer greater command and control when fighting fires in tall buildings – a necessity as the urbanisation of New Zealand continued.

In 1973, leaking chemical drums on a ship caused an emergency in Parnell. Known as the Parnell Fumes emergency, it resulted in 41 firefighters being injured and 6,000 people were evacuated from the area; the following investigation led to improved hazardous substance procedures.

The Fire Service Commission was created in 1974-1975. Three full-time members were set up. The commission abolished the 277 local authority based fire boards and formed the New Zealand Fire Service. This entailed centralised standards and controls. Two of the commissioners were Fire Officers with the chairperson appointed from outside the Fire Service. On April 1, 1976, the New Zealand Fire Service ‘went live’.