Underpaid Firefighters: Why are People at Desks Earning More?

Underpaid Firefighters: Why are People at Desks Earning More?

From Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief by rova

April 28, 2026 · 16 min

About this episode

Duncan Garner discusses the disparity in pay between firefighters and management in New Zealand's fire service.

Something is badly wrong when firefighters are among the lowest-paid people inside the very service they keep alive. On the Slam Dunc, Duncan Garner takes aim at Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s pay priorities, questioning why frontline firefighters are still fighting for better pay, safer staffing, reliable trucks and proper gear while management layers and board fees keep climbing. From the CEO’s salary to six-figure corporate roles, Duncan asks the obvious question: why are the people running into burning buildings earning less than the people sitting behind desks? We also hear listener feedback on immigration, school zoning pressure in Auckland, and the need to bring people with us when policy decisions reshape communities. It’s blunt, uncomfortable, and exactly the sort of conversation New Zealand needs to have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Duncan Garner

Topics covered

  • firefighter pay
  • management salaries
  • public service
  • listener feedback
  • policy decisions

Keywords

  • firefighters
  • pay disparity
  • management salaries
  • listener feedback
  • New Zealand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

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