Bishop backs down on FENZ criticism after van Velden reminder

Economic Development Minister Chris Bishop softened his claim that Fire and Emergency New Zealand was "incompetent" after Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden noted FENZ operates independently of ministers. Bishop told RNZ he was frustrated the Hutt City fire station closed in 2021 with no replacement five years on. Van Velden said FENZ plans to spend $700 million on property over 10 years.