New legislation to strengthen New Zealand\u2019s emergency management system has passed its final reading in Parliament today, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a major milestone, giving us a modern, fit-for-purpose legal framework to manage the more frequent and complex emergencies New Zealand is facing. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen firsthand the difficult situations local authorities can be confronted with in an emergency. Updates to emergency powers and procedures for declarations will ensure they can do their jobs more effectively when an emergency happens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new legislation also makes roles and responsibilities clearer, helping key players in the system.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunities and iwi M\u0101ori will have a stronger voice in emergency management, through representation on emergency management committees and greater involvement in developing regional and national emergency management plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cEffective emergency management shouldn\u2019t be a postcode lottery. The Bill gives the Director-General and the Emergency Management Minister new tools to set clear expectations for the sector and enable national consistency where it\u2019s beneficial to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know how distressing it is to leave pets and other animals behind in an emergency because there\u2019s no other option. The Bill will improve how animal welfare is managed during and after emergencies, including through a new power allowing authorised emergency management responders to enter premises where animals need help,\u201d says Mr Mitchell. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Bill delivers improvements identified through past inquiries and reviews and is a catalyst for the wider programme of work to strengthen New Zealand\u2019s emergency management system. This includes funding through Budget 2026 for the modern operational technology systems the sector needs, including a common operating picture, along with further operational improvements set out in the Strengthening Emergency Management Roadmap, which Cabinet has agreed to in principle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also intend to commence a review of the current National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan once the Bill comes into force.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been on the ground during many events and seen how hard our communities and the emergency management sector work together to support those who need it. I look forward to us building a stronger system together, using the additional support this new legislation provides.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notes to editors:<\/p>\n
The Bill replaces the 24-year-old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002
\nMost provisions in the Bill will come into force on the day following Royal assent, apart from the following provisions which will have delayed commencement: <\/p>\n
provisions relating to compliance orders (delayed by 6 months)
\nprovisions regarding the coordination and use of resources outside of a state of emergency or transition period (delayed by 12 months)
\nprovisions relating to the appointment of District and Local Controllers and Recovery Managers (delayed by 12 months)
\nprovisions relating to the content of regional emergency management plans (delayed by 12 months)
\nprovisions relating to lead agencies will come into force two years after Royal assent or an earlier date set by Order in Council.<\/p>\n
The Bill builds on the framework established by the CDEM Act and retains:<\/p>\n
consideration of all hazards \u2013 natural and man-made
\nan end-to-end approach to managing the risks from those hazards, i.e. requiring action across the \u201c4 Rs\u201d of risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery
\na devolved structure, with responsibilities across the 4Rs held at both the local and national levels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
New legislation to strengthen New Zealand\u2019s emergency m 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