The 1990s was a turbulent decade for the New Zealand Fire Service. In 1990, The Fire Service Amendment Act was brought in. This changed the Fire Service Commission to three part-time commissioners appointed from outside the Fire Service, plus the secretary for Internal Affairs. The Chief Executive, National Commander and National Rural Fire Officer roles were created.

In 1995, a major restructure followed 18 months of investigation. Regional and area structures changed from six regions and 20 areas to three regions and 11 areas. Legal action was taken by the Fire Service, the Professional Firefighter’s Union and the Public Service Association. A citizen’s referendum was held on firefighter numbers after suggested cutbacks. 1995 also saw the Urban Search and Rescue unit established.

Two years later in 1997 and the “Future Direction” project restructured the Fire Service into eight fire regions, a Corporate Office and a National Service Centre. The “Way Forward” document identified new policies and key objectives focusing on fire prevention, risk management and community responsibility for fire safety. As part of that restructure, the 1998 “Modernisation of New Zealand Fire Service” project that set out to restructure firefighter numbers and employment conditions led to industrial unrest. All restructuring action is stalled by legal challenges from the New Zealand Professional Firefighter’s Union.

In 1999, after the Audit Office criticised the disagreements between the Commission and the CEO on a proposed agreement with the PFU, Commissioner Roger Estall and CEO Jean Martin positions became untenable and they resigned. Dame Margaret Bazley was appointed commissioner. Modernisation proposals were withdrawn after Appeal Court rules against the former Commission’s methods.

In 1999, the first thermal imaging cameras were purchased and put into operational use.