When a fire breaks out, every second matters. The faster the fire service is alerted, the better the chance of saving lives, property, and business continuity. That’s where fire alarm monitoring comes in, and why it’s becoming the go-to choice for building owners and facility managers across New Zealand.
What is Fire Alarm Monitoring?
Put simply, fire alarm monitoring is a direct connection between your building’s fire alarm or sprinkler system and Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). The moment your system detects smoke, heat, or fire, an automatic signal is sent to FENZ. No phone calls, no delays—just immediate action.
At Fire Security Services (FSS), we provide this service in-house, without relying on third-party agents. That means your alarms are connected directly to FENZ, and our technicians are notified at the same time so we can respond quickly to faults or activations.
Why It Matters
Unfortunately, history shows that delays in alerting the fire service can cost businesses dearly. In some cases, six-minute delays caused by manual call-ins have led to devastating property losses. With monitoring in place, that risk is removed, the fire service knows straight away, and they’re on their way.
Some of the key benefits include:
Faster response times – FENZ is automatically alerted, no waiting for someone to make a call.
Peace of mind – building owners and managers get notified too, so you’re always in the loop.
Smarter safety – our monitoring can also detect faults and issues early, so they can be fixed before they become a problem.
Cost advantages – brigade monitoring may help with insurance and is often a compliance requirement.
Do All Buildings Need It?
Not every building legally requires fire alarm monitoring. It depends on risk factors like the building type, occupancy, and escape routes. Low-risk properties with landline connections may not need it. But in our experience, having that extra layer of protection is always worthwhile.
Since FENZ removed call-out charges in 2017, it’s easier than ever for building owners to justify monitoring as part of their fire safety strategy.
Switching is Easy
Already have a monitored connection? Moving over to FSS is simple—we’ll even cover the connection transfer cost and give you three months free monitoring to get you started.
Plus, we’re a locally owned Kiwi business, offering competitive rates and industry-leading in-panel technology for maximum reliability.
Want to know more or make the switch? Contact us