Budget 2026 Investment to Modernise Emergency Management Systems in NZ

Mr Mitchell said New Zealand’s current emergency management systems remain fragmented, making it difficult for agencies to quickly access and share critical information during major events.

The Government has announced major new investment through Budget 2026 aimed at strengthening New Zealand's emergency management capabilities with modern technology, real-time data systems, and enhanced operational coordination.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said the funding will support the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade designed to improve emergency response times, situational awareness, and national resilience.

New Technology to Improve Emergency Response

Mr Mitchell said New Zealand's current emergency management systems remain fragmented, making it difficult for agencies to quickly access and share critical information during major events.

"Right now, the technology and data that underpins emergency management is fragmented, and getting information takes time – that could lead to delays, blind spots and risk to life," he said.

"Funding through Budget 2026 will address this by supporting the National Emergency Management Agency to deliver modern technology systems for the emergency management sector."

A central component of the investment is the development of a "common operating picture" — a long-awaited integrated platform that will provide emergency management personnel with a shared, real-time view of critical operational information.

Common Operating Picture to Unify Emergency Information

The new system will allow emergency responders and decision-makers across multiple agencies to access the same live information simultaneously, regardless of location or organisation.

"This includes a common operating picture that provides emergency management personnel with a single, shared view of information and data such as hazard and evacuation maps, population data, infrastructure status and available resources," Mr Mitchell said.

The Minister noted that the concept has been discussed within the emergency management sector for decades but has not previously been fully implemented nationwide.

"A common operating picture has been long-awaited for decades by the emergency management sector," he said.

"People will have access to the same live information no matter where they are working from or who they are working for, improving situational awareness across all parts of an emergency response."

The platform is expected to significantly improve coordination during natural disasters by ensuring that emergency services, local councils, government agencies, and recovery teams are all operating with consistent and up-to-date information.

"The common operating picture will ensure decision-makers have access to real-time information before, during and after emergencies so they can make the right calls at the right time to save lives, protect infrastructure and minimise damage," Mr Mitchell said.

Wider Emergency Management Sector Operational Systems Programme

The common operating picture forms part of the broader Emergency Management Sector Operational Systems (EMS-OS) programme being led by NEMA.

In addition to shared operational data, EMS-OS will introduce new digital tools to support collaboration, resource management, and emergency coordination during both response and recovery phases.

"In addition to a common operating picture, EMS-OS will provide operational tools for emergency management personnel to task, collaborate, and manage resources during response and recovery, and an upgrade to the National Warning System for timely, accessible alerts to the public," Mr Mitchell said.

Potential Use of AI and Automation

The Government also signalled plans to explore the use of artificial intelligence and automation technologies within emergency management systems where appropriate.

"EMS-OS will also look for opportunities to use automation and AI, where appropriate, to help make sense of large volumes of fast-moving information during an emergency," the Minister said.

One example highlighted involves the use of AI-assisted analysis following major disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or severe storms.

"For example, after a major earthquake, flood or severe weather event AI-assisted analysis of satellite imagery and spatial data could help identify areas were buildings, roads, bridges, or other critical infrastructure may have been damaged," Mr Mitchell explained.

"That in turn would help responders build an earlier picture of likely impacts, identify where communities may be isolated, prioritise where ground checks may be needed, and support faster decisions about access, welfare needs, and recovery planning."

Building National Resilience

Mr Mitchell said New Zealand faces some of the highest natural hazard risks globally, making investment in modern emergency management systems essential.

"New Zealand faces some of the greatest natural hazard risks of any country in the world and this investment in modern technology is a key step in improving our resilience to those hazards," he said.

The Government expects the upgraded systems to deliver:

• Faster and more effective emergency response and recovery

• Improved coordination between agencies

• Better situational awareness during disasters

• Reduced harm to communities during emergencies such as floods, storms, and earthquakes

Wider Emergency Management Reforms Underway

The EMS-OS programme forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at modernising New Zealand's emergency management framework.

Mr Mitchell said this includes legislative reform through the proposed Emergency Management Bill as well as operational improvements outlined in the Strengthening Emergency Management Roadmap recently agreed to in principle by Cabinet.

"EMS-OS is just one part of the significant work programme underway to strengthen New Zealand's emergency management system," he said.

"The Government is committed to strengthening New Zealand's emergency management system. With modern systems and tools in place, we will be better equipped to respond to and recover from emergencies."