The Government has introduced a new Emergency Management Bill to replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. The Bill updates and strengthens New Zealand’s emergency management system to ensure better preparation, response, and recovery from disasters.
The Bill clarifies the roles of national, regional, and local organisations in emergencies, ensures quicker decision-making, and requires community and iwi/Māori involvement in local and national plans. It also strengthens protections for critical infrastructure and supports consistent emergency management across the country.
Councils will have clearer responsibilities in planning and responding to emergencies. The Bill emphasizes collaboration with Emergency Management Committees, local communities, and iwi/Māori to improve planning and recovery processes.
The Bill is now before Parliament. Once passed, councils and emergency agencies will need to update their plans and practices to meet the new requirements. Members of the public can make submissions during the select committee stage.
Emergency Management Bill Resources:
Waimakariri District Council's View:
On February 13 2026 Council made a submission on this Bill. Below is a short summary s as well as a link to the full submission document.
8.1. The Council supports the general intent of the Emergency Management Bill (No2). However, to truly strengthen New Zealand’s emergency management system we request Central Government allows more opportunity for:
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Local voices to inform and enable effective implementation both throughout the reform and future emergency management related matters
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Sufficient early investment in building council capability and capacity to reduce ever greater costs for ratepayers and taxpayers after the next event
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Better integration with other legislation to ensure a more coherent and efficient approach to managing hazard risks facing our communities
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Further consideration of the timing and sequencing of the suite of reforms that are in process
8.2. It is the Council’s preference that the progression of the Emergency Management Bill (No2) beyond this phase of consultation takes into consideration the key submission points made by the Council in this submission, including those outlined in Appendix 1.
Next steps
The Bill is now before Parliament. Once passed, councils and emergency agencies will need to update their plans and practices to meet the new requirements. Members of the public can make submissions during the select committee stage.
You can have a say and make a submission on the New Zealand Parliament website. Closing date for submissions is February 15, 2026