The New Zealand Government has opened the next stage of consultation on its fire service reforms, hailing the changes as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Legislation introduced to Parliament will create a new Fire and Emergency New Zealand service, mostly funded by a levy on contents, property and motor vehicle insurance.

Separately, the Government is examining changes to regulations needed to support the new service, and has released a discussion paper.

“The public has six weeks to give feedback on detailed elements of the funding regime for the new organisation, including what information should be provided by levy payers,” Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said.

Feedback is also sought on what property should be exempt from the levy, and whether further regulation is needed for local committees that will represent the interests of regions to the new service.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand brings together urban and rural fire services, including paid and volunteer workers, reflecting their expanding role responding to hazardous substance incidents, search and rescue, vehicle accidents and a variety of other events.

“It represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enable New Zealand to have a fit-for-purpose fire organisation that is flexible, modern, effective and efficient,” Mr Dunne told Parliament in his first-reading speech last week.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand has criticised the bill for making people who take out insurance pay more, while drivers who do not insure still reap the benefits. The council had pushed for a levy on annual “rego” fees paid by all motorists.

The council says it will consult with members before making a response to the discussion paper. The consultation closes on August 18.