Emergency Management Law Reform Programme

This page provides information about the Emergency Management Law Reform Programme

The Emergency Management Law Reform Programme will set the foundations for a modern, inclusive, responsive, fit-for-purpose, and enduring regulatory framework for New Zealand’s emergency management system The four priority areas of work in the Programme will:

  • deliver a new modern, responsive, and enduring Emergency Management Act.
  • effectively implement and transition to the new regulatory framework.
  • develop an agreed operating model, governance arrangements, and transition thresholds and criteria to clarify lead and support agency roles and responsibilities.
  • ensure iwi and Māori participation is recognised, enabled, and valued throughout the emergency management system.

An increase in the severity and frequency of emergencies, including the state of national emergency declared for the North Island Severe Weather Events (2023), has highlighted a pressing need to modernise and update the current emergency management regulatory framework.

Regulatory change is also required to implement elements of the Government’s response to a Technical Advisory Group’s recommendations Delivering better responses to natural disasters and other emergencies.