The aim of this research was to undertake qualitative and quantitative analysis of fire alarm activation data and data from case studies, to provide a detailed and accurate information base that will contribute substantially to the efforts to reduce the number of unwanted fire alarm activations in New Zealand. The analysis also includes information on how frequently unwanted fire alarms occur, the type of unwanted fire alarm activations, and the industry sectors and buildings that are most prone, etc. By analysing this data, an estimation of the economic and social costs of unwanted fire alarm activations incurred by both the New Zealand Fire Service and the business community are included.