Our people are what make our organisation work so well and they have years of real life operational experience to back up their excellent training skills - meet the team!

Simon Osborne - CFO/Director

Simon is the Fire Chief and Managing Director of Fire & Rescue New Zealand. Simon began his Fire, Rescue and Emergency Response career in New South Wales, Australia in 1979 where he was involved as a volunteer with the State Emergency Service, Bush Fire and Royal Australian Navy.

Simon has 32 years operational combatant experience in fire fighting (rural, urban, marine, aviation) and emergency management in New Zealand and Australia, including two years as the Deputy and Principal Rural Fire Officer and Civil Defence Officer with the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and 2 years as a Civil Defence Officer (training) with the Manukau City Council.

Simon has 10 years as a volunteer Rural Fire Officer with the Tararua, Rangitikei and Manawatu District Council Rural Fire Authorities, and 9 years as a volunteer Senior Fire Fighter with the New Zealand Fire Service and 14 years as the Fire Chief, trainer, assessor and moderator with Fire & Rescue New Zealand.

He now manages Fire & Rescue New Zealand and has established strong working networks with volunteer Rural Fire Forces and Councils as Rural Fire Authorities. His principal involvement has been in the preparation of modern fire control methods and emergency management systems for rural firefigthers and workplace emergency response personnel. 

In addition to managing the day to day continuous improvement of services provided by the company, Simon is heavily involved in the design and manufacture of a wide range of free standing collapsible HELiFIRE Helicopter Monsoon Buckets, and professional fireworks displays as a Pyrotechnician and Approved Handler Pyrotechnics.

Janice Osborne - Director/Accounts Manager

Jan is responsible for the efficient running of our office, handling all our invoicing and accounts receivable and for organising our busy schedule. Jan has a very strong accounts background with 15 years professional accounting experience before establishing Fire & Rescue New Zealand.

Karen Shailer - Office Manager & Deputy Registrar

Karen is our highly experienced Office Manager, she is active in almost all aspects of the organisation including; Customer Service, Tertiary database management, general office administration and for organising our busy training schedule.

Jeff Lewis - Station Officer & Advanced Paramedic

Jeff is our lead trainer/assessor. Jeff is a highly experienced Advanced Paramedic who has a wealth of knowledge in risk management and its practical application in the workplace. 

Jeff is an accredited Trainer/Assessor and LTNZ approved driving instructor.

Jeff has had over 21 year’s emergency service experience in the care of patients in Pre-hospital setting.  

Jeff has held a number of training, support, Helicopter Crewman and senior clinical tutor roles during his career. 

Jeff’s Advanced Paramedic background is complimented by his experience as a Senior Clinical Tutor making him an authority in the area of pre-hospital care and workplace emergency response. 

Jeff is also an active on-call Advanced Paramedic with the local Ambulance service whereby he responds to incidents and provides a valuable community service.

Ali Constable - Station Officer

Ali is another of our lead trainer/assessors. She has over 5 years experience as a Senior Fire Fighter with the Kaukapakapa Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade. She brings to the organisation a vast array of experience gained from her co-responder role with the Brigade and Ambulance Officer with St John’s.  

Ali is also an active serving Senior Fire Fighter and Ambulance Officer within her local community whereby she responds to incidents and provides a valuable community service