Emergency Management Reform- submissions open until May 13

The Government is seeking public feedback on options to strengthen New Zealand’s overarching emergency management legislation. 

A new Emergency Management Bill will replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 as part of the follow up to the Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events.

The Government intends to pass a new Emergency Management Bill during this term of Parliament.

The proposed objectives for the new bill are to:

• strengthen community and iwi Māori participation in emergency management
• provide for clear responsibilities and accountabilities at the national, regional, and local levels
• enable a higher minimum standard of emergency management
• minimise disruption to essential services
• ensure agencies have the right powers available when an emergency happens. 

The discussion document and information on how to make a submission is available on NEMA’s website www.civildefence.govt.nz/emergency-management-bill. 

Submissions close on 13 May 2025.