FENZ keeps in the good, blanks out the bad about flood rescues (opens original article in a new tab)

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) removed details about risks and delays in two flood rescues from public after-action reviews, citing concerns over future feedback. Rescue teams highlighted time delays and management issues, which FENZ redacted, claiming it was to protect confidential communications.

• FENZ blanked out references to risks and delays in two flood rescues in released after-action reviews.
• Rescue teams reported time delays that could have led to loss of life and criticized management for roadblocks in deployment.
• FENZ cited 'free and frank' grounds to withhold information, claiming it would inhibit future feedback from personnel.