Under the Covid-19 Protection Framework (CPF) also known as 'traffic light' system, some buildings are required to have physical distancing requirements and are therefore exempt from the requirement to conduct trial evacuations.
For more information read here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Information Unit on 0800 347 346 or email us at fireinfo@fireandemergency.nz


Evacuation Schemes

Save time - apply online

Fire and Emergency New Zealand recommends that you apply for your evacuation scheme online. This has the following benefits:

  • You will only be presented with the questions you need to answer. Questions will appear depending on the responses you provide as you work through the form.
  • As soon as you submit your application it automatically goes into the queue for processing. When the online application is not used, there is an extra step in the process that we must complete on receipt of your application which can take more time.
  • You can view the status of your application.
  • If your application needs changes, we are able to provide you with an editable copy online, so you can easily make the required changes.
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive automatic reminders when you need to take action to maintain your scheme, and you can notify us online of the results of trial evacuations and training programme delivery instead of having to manually complete a form.
  • The use of the RealMe login means your interactions with us are secure.

You need to have an RealMe login to use the online evacuation scheme service.

You can use the same RealMe login to manage multiple buildings regardless of whether you are acting as an individual building owner or as an agent.

Login with your existing RealMe account if you have one, or Register with RealMe now.

Apply online now
Maintain my evacuation schemes
Or upload a pdf of your evacuation application form

As an alternative to the online process you can complete the manual evacuation scheme application form. Then either upload here or send the completed form and supporting information to the Fire Information Unit, either email fireinfo@fireandemergency.nz, or post to Fire Information Unit, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, P O Box 68444, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 or fax 09 309 0483.

Do I need an approved evacuation scheme?

A building owner must ensure their building complies with the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 (the Act) and the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018 (the Regulations). A building that requires an evacuation scheme is called a 'relevant building'. These include the following:

  1. Buildings where 100 or more people can gather together.
  2. Buildings where 10 or more people work.
  3. Buildings where 6 or more people sleep, unless there are 3 or fewer households.
  4. Buildings storing certain levels of hazardous substances.
  5. Buildings used for early childhood, medical, and disabled care services, unless the building is a normal home.
  6. Prisons and holding cells.

For a complete list and full details of buildings that are 'relevant buildings' refer to section 75 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.

Owners of buildings with an automatic sprinkler system which meets one of the required standards (NZS 4541:2007, NZS 4541:2013, NZS 4515:2003 or NZS 4515:2009) and which are only used for either (2) or (3) (but not both) and none of the other uses listed above, don't need an approved scheme. However, owners of those buildings must give Fire and Emergency New Zealand notice that the building does not need an evacuation scheme using the Notification that an evacuation scheme is not required form.

Buildings listed in schedule 2 of the regulations also need to comply with the requirements for an evacuation procedure. For more information on these requirements see fireandemergency.nz > Business and landlords > Owner responsibilities.

What is the process to apply for and maintain an evacuation scheme?

See the following for information about applying for and maintaining an evacuation scheme:

Online Tools

Quick Reference Guides

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Printable Forms

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Example Documents

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FAQs / Help

Related Websites