Also please find enclosed a reply-paid envelope for the return of the form to the scheme where any of the information requires to be corrected.

Members are requested to correct the printout as neessary and return it in the enclosed reply-paid envelope as soon as possible but before FRIDAY 31 MAY 2002.

Members are advised there is no need to return the printout if there are no alterations required to it or you are not changing your security password.

Returning the printout where there are no alterations to it benefits only New Zealand Post as the scheme is required to pay for each reply-paid envelope you post.

Members are advised that a significant change is being made to the security password system with immediate effect.

Until now the security password has only contained five digits but from now on will be permitted to contain up to six digits.

This change is being made in advance of the ability of members to access their account and personal details direct from the scheme's website later in the year.

Our Administrators advise that ‘the quality of the security passwords currently chosen by members is not very high, there are no restrictions on these passwords, such as they must contain a numeric or must not contain repeating characters, and a number of the passwords are shorter than six characters.'

The Trustees recommend that all members review their current security passwords taking into account the comments of the scheme's Administrators above.

Members are further reminded that they will not be able to access their account balance and member details on the freephone and later through the internet until a security password has been provided.

This requirement ensures that your personal information cannot be made available to any unauthorised person or persons and assists the scheme in continued compliance with the Privacy Act.

Members are further advised that they may also send any updated personal information to the scheme by going to

and clicking on the e-mail link found in a red band at the bottom of each page, or by sending an e-mail to

instead of using the postal system to advise of this updated information.

The Trustees thank members for their assistance with this matter. Thank you !

On the front page of this Supernews members are advised that later this year they will have an ability to access their account and personal details direct from the scheme's web site at

The Trustees have approved the necessary documents to allow the scheme's Administrator — Jacques Martin NZ Ltd — to finalise a 'Web Viewer' to allow members to view:

• A snapshot of their account, including contributions, any other transactions, interim interest at the current rate, and an estimated account balance as at the day before the query is being made
• The date they joined the scheme
• The number of years employment with the Fire Service

• Their personal details
• Their beneficiary details
• Their member and employer contributions for this and previous years
• Any other transactions that have been made in their account for this or previous years
• An update details page, which will allow them to print out current personal information, correct it and post it back to the Administrator.

Access to this information will only be available to members who are able to input both their security password and their member number as required.

Members will be kept informed of this development which is expected to come on line in August 2002.

Members of National Provident Funds are reminded of the opportunity that they have to transfer their accumulated NPF savings to the scheme.

Members of NPF schemes are advised that any funds transferred to this scheme are required by law to be placed within this scheme as a ‘voluntary contribution'.

Any member of a National Provident Fund who would like further assistance or information should contact the Secretary to the Trustees at one of the contacts set out on the front page.

Members are reminded that in order to receive a benefit payment Part 1 of the scheme's current ‘Cessation Advice and Discharge' form must be completed in full and returned to the address set out on the form.

Part completed forms will be returned for completion prior to any benefit payment.

If the member follows this process and provides bank account details and a bank deposit form the benefit will be paid no later than ten working days after the cessation of employment with the Fire Service.

No benefit can be paid prior to your final day of service irrespective of any arrangements you may have made.

Members are reminded that they are not able to borrow against the funds held on their behalf in the scheme.

This is precluded by the Trust Deed, which states:

If you wish to have Supernews and other important information from the scheme delivered to your screen by e-mail from now on please supply your e-mail address to the scheme Secretary at any of the contacts set out on the front page of this Supernews.

The Trustees are mindful of the pace of developing technology and of the need to be able to send out relevant information to members as soon as it is available.

It is with this in mind that this method of communication with members has been developed.

All existing arrangements for the delivery of Supernews to members and stations will continue unchanged.