- Hon Mark Mitchell
New legislation to strengthen New Zealand's emergency management system has passed its final reading in Parliament today, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell says. "This 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. "I 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. "The new legislation also makes roles and responsibilities clearer, helping key players in the system. "Communities and iwi Māori 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. "Effective emergency management shouldn't 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's beneficial to do so. "I know how distressing it is to leave pets and other animals behind in an emergency because there's 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," says Mr Mitchell. "The Bill delivers improvements identified through past inquiries and reviews and is a catalyst for the wider programme of work to strengthen New Zealand's 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. "I also intend to commence a review of the current National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan once the Bill comes into force. "I've 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." Notes to editors:
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