Govt Introduces Emergency Management Bill to Strengthen NZ’s Disaster Response

Mitchell says his visits to multiple local states of emergency since becoming minister have reinforced the need for a more responsive and coordinated approach.

The Government has introduced a new Emergency Management Bill, marking a major step toward improving how New Zealand prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says the legislation will replace the outdated Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 and implement critical lessons from the Government Inquiry into the severe weather events that struck the North Island in early 2023.

Learning From Recent Disasters

Mitchell says his visits to multiple local states of emergency since becoming minister have reinforced the need for a more responsive and coordinated approach.

“I have seen firsthand the need to improve how we manage, respond to, and recover from emergencies. This new Bill will make a real difference on the ground.”

The new framework aims to speed up decision-making, strengthen local leadership, and reduce the confusion that has sometimes hindered response efforts during major storms, floods, and other disasters.

Stronger Role for Communities and Iwi

One of the most significant changes is the enhanced role for iwi, hapū, and local communities. The Bill will:

• Ensure iwi and community representatives have formal seats at decision-making tables for local emergency management

• Require councils and national agencies to engage with communities and iwi when developing local and national emergency management plans

• Embed local knowledge and cultural understanding into emergency planning, improving resilience and response capability

Mitchell says this shift reflects the Government’s commitment to involving those closest to affected areas in planning and recovery decisions.

Clearer Roles and Faster Decision-Making

The Bill provides more clarity around responsibilities at the national, regional, and local levels, ensuring that:

• The right agencies make the right decisions at the right time

• Response actions are faster and more coordinated

• Governance structures are simplified to reduce delays during critical moments

This clarity is designed to prevent the inconsistent or fragmented responses observed in some past emergencies.

Protecting Essential Infrastructure

To minimise disruption to key services during emergencies, the Bill introduces provisions to safeguard:

• Utilities (electricity, water, telecommunications)

• Transport networks

• Lifeline infrastructure providers

These measures will help ensure New Zealanders maintain access to essential services during severe events and speed up recovery.

Stronger Powers and Higher Standards

The Bill introduces updated emergency powers and sets a higher minimum standard of emergency management performance nationwide. This includes:

• Ensuring agencies have the lawful authority needed during emergencies

• Strengthening coordination mechanisms across government

• Enhancing readiness and resilience planning

These reforms aim to create a unified, modern, and fit-for-purpose system.

Improving Animal Welfare in Emergencies

In response to widespread public concern during previous disaster events, the Bill also includes new provisions to improve the treatment and evacuation of animals.

“We’ve listened to the many people who provided feedback relating to animals and included changes that will improve animal welfare during and after emergencies,” Mitchell said.

Building a System for the Future

Mitchell says the Bill is essential to ensuring New Zealand can meet the growing challenges posed by climate change, severe weather, earthquakes, and other hazards.

“Given the significant and often long-lasting impacts of emergencies, it’s important that legislative settings are fit-for-purpose and enable the emergency management system New Zealanders expect.”

The Bill will now proceed through the parliamentary process, including public consultation at Select Committee.