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National Commander
National Commander
Steven Hanes
Deputy National Commander
Deputy National Commander
Chase Baker
Assistant National Commander
Assistant National Commander
TBC
Welcome to Fire Rescue Service Auckland
History and Founding
Fire Rescue Aotearoa took over fire operations in 2021 from the New Zealand Fire Service and local councils. Ever since, we have expanded and grown the service into what it is today. When taking over from the New Zealand Fire Service in 2021, they were in a dire emergency, and therefore we had to implement change urgently—bringing in new appliances, new gear, and getting more staff on the front line. Since we started, our goals and values have not changed, and every day we strive to improve the service.
Founder Mike Hanes took over from NZFS and was the backbone of what the service is today. He was born in 1952 at home on a late, wet, and windy Monday night. Two firefighters helped bring him into this world: Station Officer Peter F. White and Senior Firefighter Greg L. Smith.
From the age of three, Hanes grew a passion for firefighters and wanted to become one himself. At 18, he joined the NZFS and grew to love the service. In 2008, he responded to a major incident in Hamilton. Senior Station Officer Wrighton was part of the BA entry team and was one of the first firefighters inside, but sadly the building exploded, causing him to lose his arms and therefore be removed from the service.
In 2020, Hanes noticed a shift in the operation of the NZFS and made the decision to step up and take over to build a better future. In 2021, he did it—he became the CEO & National Commander of the New Zealand Fire Service. But with age came health issues, and he could no longer handle the job, so his son, Senior Firefighter Steven Hanes, took over the role in late 2022.
Current Service
When SFF Steven Hanes stepped into the role of CEO & National Commander, he inherited not only the responsibility of leading a national fire service but also the legacy of his father’s vision. Steven had grown up surrounded by the culture of the fire service—station visits, drills, and community events were part of his childhood. By the time he joined the service himself, he already carried a deep understanding of the operational and cultural challenges firefighters faced.
As a frontline Senior Firefighter, Steven was known for his calm approach under pressure, his ability to read a scene quickly, and his commitment to crew safety. He had responded to hundreds of incidents across the country, from rural vegetation fires to complex urban rescues. His leadership style was shaped by those experiences: practical, people‑focused, and grounded in real-world firefightings
Under Steven’s leadership, Fire Rescue Aotearoa entered a new era. Recruitment numbers rose, station morale improved, and the public began to see the service not just as an emergency response agency but as a cornerstone of community resilience.
Despite his young age compared to previous national commanders, Steven earned respect quickly. He was visible on the ground—visiting stations, attending major incidents, and speaking directly with crews about what needed to change. He believed that leadership wasn’t about sitting behind a desk; it was about standing beside the people doing the work.
By 2025, Fire Rescue Aotearoa had become one of the most modern and forward‑thinking fire services in the Southern Hemisphere. Much of that progress was credited to Steven’s ability to balance tradition with innovation, honouring the past while building a stronger future.
And through it all, he carried the legacy of his father—Mike Hanes, the man who rebuilt a failing system and laid the foundation for the service that exists today.
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