National CDEM Exercise Programme

The National CDEM Exercise Programme recognises that exercising needs to occur at all levels of the CDEM structure.

The delivery of CDEM in New Zealand is based on a devolved accountability approach with CDEM responsibilities at all levels of government, including central and local government, the emergency services and lifeline utilities. The expectation on government agencies, local authorities and others in response to emergencies is contained in the CDEM Act 2002 and the Guide to the National CDEM Plan. Clause 104 of the National CDEM Plan Order 2015 mandates the establishment of a National CDEM Exercise Programme.

The National Emergency Management Agency is the overall National CDEM Exercise Programme sponsor. The programme is owned collectively by the 16 CDEM Groups and managed through a representative governance group. The programme recognises that exercising needs to occur at all levels of the CDEM structure. A four-tier approach to exercising has been adopted (see table below). Each tier is expected to be based on and informed by a consistent regime of planning, observation, evaluation, feedback and continuous improvement.

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National CDEM Exercise Programme tier structure

Tier	Description
1	Local exercise (individual organisation)
2	Group exercise (with CDEM Group)
3	Inter-Group exercise (across CDEM Groups, may include the National Emergency Management Agency)
4	National exercise (New Zealand or part thereof, including central government)