NZ's Civil Defence 

New Zealand’s civil defence in its earliest form dates back to the 1930s. It has evolved over the decades with central, regional and local government working together with other organisations to monitor and inform about potential hazards, and to provide support during and after emergencies. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, storms, floods, and landslides can strike at any time, sometimes without warning. 

If a disaster happens now, would each of us be ready?  

Guess where the safest place is to live in New Zealand, according to GNS vulcanologist Graham Leonard!  The answer is in this article published by the Dominion Post (14 March 2011) : Where is the safest place to live in NZ?   

We'll look at:

A.   Types of natural disasters

B.   Three-tier support: National, Regional & Local

C.   What to do in an emergency when a natural disaster strikes

D.   Timeline of natural disasters & legislation on public safety since World War I

A. Types of Natural disasters

Types of natural disasters that are managed by New Zealand's civil defence teams - locally, regionally and nationally -  include the following: floods, landslides, severe winds, snow, earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal erosion etc.  You'll find detailed information on each type of hazard on the Get ready website: https://getready.govt.nz/en/   

Other agencies may lead or provide a supporting role for each type of hazard. For wild and urban fires, the lead agency is Fire and Emergency New Zealand.  (See: National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan Order 2015 (Section 10)  and  Lead and Support Agencies) 

 For information about emergencies that have had a state of emergency declared since 2002, see NEMA's web page: Declared States of Emergency: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/previous-emergencies/declared-states-of-emergency/  

OTHER HAZARDS 

There are a number of other different hazards in New Zealand.  See Get ready: Other hazards which provides information on:

• Who manages other hazards
• Pandemic
• Fire
• Drought
• Criminal acts and terrorism
• Animal and plant pests and diseases
• Hazardous substance

DIFFERENT WAYS TO STAY INFORMED of disasters:

 You'll find detailed information on the Get Ready website: https://getready.govt.nz/en/ 

• Radio
• THE STING:  This is the Civil Defence alert that will be played on radio stations during a civil defence emergency:  Siren.wav (123kb) 
• Emergency Mobile Alert  (Plus, NZ Red Cross has a Hazard App)
• Online
• Know your neighbours
• Translated information in Arabic, Hindi. Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Tongan. 

B. Three-TIER SUPPORT: National, Regional & Local

New Zealand’s civil defence has a three-tiered structure  - national, regional and local authorities - to monitor and inform about potential hazards, and to provide support during and after emergencies.  A state of emergency may be declared for a set period of time over the whole of NZ or within a defined area affected by an event, to enable a coordinated and effective response.    

The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (CDEM Act) requires government departments, local government agencies, emergency services, and lifeline utilities services (water, wastewater, transport, energy and telecommunications) to develop CDEM plans. It also encourage communities to identify, assess, and manage risks, consult and communicate about risks, and identify and implement cost-effective risk reduction. 

National - NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides strategic leadership to build hazards emergency management capability and capacity, before, during and after national, regional and local emergencies. 

Regional - CDEM GROUPS

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002, the local authorities were divided into sixteen regions to form CDEM Groups, to pool civil defence resources in their region. Each local authority may be represented on their CDEM Group by a member who is the Mayor, the Chairperson or a Councillor.  A CDEM Group has become a consortia of its local authorities, emergency services, lifeline utilities organisations (such as water, wastewater, electricity, natural gas, petroleum, telecommunications, and roading), welfare organisations (such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and SPCA), government departments and non-government organisations.          

Local authorities

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets out the powers and procedures through which local government can set policies to control land use and development, including for the purposes of avoiding or mitigating natural hazards (s30, s31). The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) sets out the roles, powers of, and obligations on local government, which include the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards (s11A). 

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002, local authorities are responsible for civil defence and emergency management (CDEM) services in their area. Each Council has formed its Emergency Response Team who are trained in Emergency Management, Emergency Operations Centre and Civil Defence Centre operations. A Recovery Manager may also be appointed to work with the regional CDEM Group Recovery Manager, to coordinate and facilitate immediate, medium and long term recovery activities. A local authority can directly carry out a response and recovery operation. It can also receive support from their CDEM Group, and be assisted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) during a large-scale disaster.   

Integrated approach: The 4 Rs

New Zealand's integrated approach to civil defence emergency management can be described by the four areas of activity, known as the ‘4 Rs’: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/cdem-sector/the-4rs/

                     Reduction            Readiness            Response            Recovery

Reduction:   Identifying and analysing long-term risks to human life and property from hazards; taking steps to eliminate these risks if practicable, and, if not, reducing the magnitude of their impact and the likelihood of their occurring.

Readiness: Developing operational systems and capabilities before a civil defence emergency happens; including self-help and response programmes for the general public, and specific programmes for emergency services, lifeline utilities and other agencies. 

Response:  Actions taken immediately before, during or directly after a civil defence emergency to save lives and protect property, and to help communities recover. 

Recovery:  The coordinated efforts and processes to bring about the immediate, medium-term and long-term holistic regeneration of a community following a civil defence emergency. 

YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY CAN ALSO GET INVOLVED:

 You'll find further information on the website: Get ready: https://getready.govt.nz/en/ 

• Get your community ready
• Volunteer to help your friends and community before, during and after emergencies
• New Zealand ShakeOut Whakahaumaru Aotearoa: our national earthquake drill  (Drop, Cover and Hold) and tsunami hīkoi  

Volunteering to assist the emergency services

Consider whether you can become a volunteer for NZ-RTS (New Zealand Response Teams). Volunteers work alongside and assist the emergency services and other responding agencies. Tasks may include:  

• Assisting with public notifications and evacuations
• Providing support and surge staffing for Emergency Operations Centres
• Light Urban Search & Rescue (USAR)
• Responding to flood and storm events
• Establishing and managing Civil Defence and welfare centres
• Swift water and rope rescue
• Supporting ambulance services in mass casualty events.

C. WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY WHEN A NATURAL      DISASTER STRIKES  

STRATEGIC VISION & GOALS

The National Disaster Resilience Strategy outlines the vision and long-term goals for civil defence emergency management in New Zealand. Copies of the Strategy can also be downloaded in te reo Māori, Simplified Chinese, Gagana Sāmoa, Korean, and Hindi. There is also a summary version, an audio summary, a large print summary, and a New Zealand Sign Language NZSL video. See: National Emergency Management Agency  

WHO DOES WHAT?

The National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan 2015 sets out the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in reducing risks and preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies. This includes central and local government, lifeline utilities, emergency services and non-government organisations. Recovery support toolkit, fact sheets and assessment field guides have been developed to provide guidance. See NEMA: Recover: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/cdem-sector/the-4rs/recovery/

HOW TO GET READY

Step 1:   Learn about the disasters that can affect you 

Step 2:  Create and practice an emergency plan

Step 3:  Assemble and maintain emergency survival items 

Step 4:  Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry

You'll find detailed information on the website: Get Ready: https://getready.govt.nz/en/ 

Step 1: Learn about the disasters that can affect you

Which CDEM Group do you belong to?

 •  Find out the potential hazards and risks in your area by checking your local council's CDEM Group's website.                      See National Emergency Management Agency: Local civil defence groups.                                                                                  You can also view a graphic representation of  the location of the CDEM groups on a NZ map.  

 •  Also check the NZ tsunami evacuation map: enter your address to find out if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone and where      to go to stay safe. It will also direct you to in-depth local evacuation information.                                                                                  See: https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/ 

 •  For information about specific types of emergencies, see https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/  

 •  Become familiar with the information given on how to reduce the impacts and what to do during, before and after the      disaster.  The information is also provided in Arabic, Hindi. Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Tongan.

Where is your nearest Civil Defence Centre (CDC)?

You can listen to your radio or check your regional CDEM Group's & local council's websites & social media during an emergency or disaster to find out which Civil Defence Centre (CDC) is open and what support they are providing to individuals, families/whānau and the community.  CDCs may provide public information on evacuation, welfare and recovery, depending on what the community needs. Places like community halls, schools, churches, stadiums, marae, and other suitable facilities may be activated as a CDC in response to an emergency or disaster.  The Centre can be operated by CDEM-led teams, including CDEM-trained volunteers, or by other official agencies. 

STEP 2:  CREATE AND PRACTICE AN EMERGENCY PLAN                

Have an emergency plan for your household (including pets and livestock), workplace, school, and marae. Take into account the needs of seniors and disabled people. Ensure that each person knows what to do as emergency services may not reach everyone quickly. Preparing survival kits with at least three days of supplies is recommended in case emergency services are not immediately able to respond.

You'll find information on the following on the website: Get ready: https://getready.govt.nz/en/ 

• Get your household ready:  Emergency Plan, Survival Items and Getaway Kits, Evacuation, Pets and livestock, Storing water, Emergency sanitation, Get your car ready
• Get your work ready
• Get your school ready 
• Get your marae ready 
• Advice for disabled people
• New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) videos can be viewed at NZ Civil Defence: NZGetReady 
• Look after your mental wellbeing
• Who to contact if you have an emergency

Your household

This Household Emergency Checklist and Plan will help you get everything ready, and have a plan for your household so you get through.

• Household Emergency Checklist/Plan (58kb) revised 2010
• Editable version of the Household Emergency Checklist (300kb) revised 2010

Your workplace

 This Personal Workplace Emergency Plan will help you plan for an emergency during working hours.

• Personal Workplace Emergency Plan (.pdf 124kb)
• Editable version of the Personal Workplace Emergency Plan (.docx 87kb)

Your school

A resource for teaching Civil Defence in schools and for kids to learn about disasters is What's the plan, Stan?

For preschools, the 'Turtle Safe' educational DVD is accessible online on the Get ready Get thru website under Preschool resources.

Your marae

Advice for people with disabilities

Get Ready website has the following information available: 

• Advice for disabled people which includes video, audio and translations in other languages:
  • Steps to get ready
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing
  • If you are blind or have a visual impairment
  • Disability assist dogs
  • Resources for disabled people
•  Drop, cover, and hold information for people with a physical disability or mobility impairment fact sheet (.pdf 860k)
• I am deaf. Let's talk booklet: 25 signs to learn for emergencies (pdf)

Look after your mental wellbeing

 You'll find further information on the website: Get ready: https://getready.govt.nz/en/ 

• Where to get help
• Free tools and resources

Who to contact if you have an emergency

If you have a civil defence emergency for your area:

• Check your local radio and regional CDEM Group and local council's websites and social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Twitter)

If an emergency situation is not listed for your area, you can contact the following to provide information and seek assistance:

• Emergency: If you require emergency assistance, call 111 for Fire, Ambulance or Police. 
• Power outage: Direct all power outage calls to your power retailer or electricity network's Fault line. See NZ map for location of lines companies.
• State highway network:  You can get the latest state highway information or report an issue on a state highway by phoning New Zealand Transport Agency's 24/7 info line: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). For the latest state highway and detour information, visit AA Roadwatch website. You can find out more from the New Zealand Transport Agency website
• Flooding and roads: For enquiries regarding city infrastructure, you can call your local council's 24/7 Customer Services number or send an email or report problems online. Note: If your property has been affected by severe flooding, call 111 and ask for the Fire Service.

Step 3. Assemble & maintain emergency survival items

List from the Get Thru Brochure (450kb) revised 2010:

A.  Emergency survival items

✔   Torch with spare batteries or a self charging torch

✔   Radio with spare batteries 

✔   Wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes

✔   Essential medicines

✔   First aid kit.  You can buy ready-made first aid kits or make up your own. See list of the minimum recommended items at        https://getthru.govt.nz/first-aid-kit.  Also consider taking a first aid course, followed by regular refresher sessions.   

✔   Blankets or sleeping bags 

✔   Pet supplies 

✔   Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet 

✔   Face and dust masks

✔   Check all batteries every three months. Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest. 

✖   Do not use candles as they can tip over in earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind

✖    Do not use kerosene lamps, which require a great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.

B.  Food and water for at least three days 

✔   Non-perishable food (canned or dried food) 

✔   Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children

✔   Water (at least 3 litres per person per day) for drinking

✔   Water for washing and cooking 

✔   A primus or gas barbeque to cook on 

✔   A can opener 

✔   Check and replace food and water every twelve months 

✔   Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic.

C.  Storing water 

How much water: 

✔   You need at least three litres of drinking water for each person each day

✔   You will also need water for washing and cooking. 

Obtaining containers of water:

✔   You can purchase bottled water or prepare your own containers of water 

✔   You can use food-grade water storage containers purchased from camping or hardware stores

✔  You can recycle plastic soft drink bottles

✖  Do not use milk containers as protein cannot be adequately removed with washing, and may harbour bacteria

✔  You can also fill plastic ice cream containers with water and keep in the freezer.  

Instructions for safely storing water:

✔  Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water

✔  Fill each bottle with tap water until it overflows 

✔  Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water (or half a teaspoon for 10 litres) and put in storage. Do not drink for      at least 30 minutes after disinfecting.

✔  Label each bottle with dates showing when the bottles were filled and when they need to be refilled

✔  Check the bottles every 12 months. If the water is not clear, throw it out and refill clean bottles with clean water and bleach.

✔   Store bottles away from direct sunlight in a cool dark place. Keep them in two separate places and where there is not likely       to be flooding.

✔  You can also fill plastic ice cream containers with water, cover, label and keep in the freezer. These can help keep food cool       if the power is off and can also be used for drinking. 

Additional sources of water:

✔   Your hot water cylinder and toilet cistern are valuable sources of water. Check that your hot water cylinder and header tank       are well secured. 

✖   Do not put chemical cleaners in the toilet cistern if you want to use the water 

✔   If you use collected rain water make sure that you disinfect it with household bleach 

✖   If you are uncertain about the quality of water, e.g. from a well that has been flooded, or if it might have been contaminated       by smoke or volcanic ash, do not drink it.

Step 4. Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave                in a hurry 

In some emergencies you may need to evacuate in a hurry.  Have a packed getaway kit in an easily accessible place at home and at work which includes:

 ✔  Torch and radio with spare batteries

 ✔  Any special needs such as hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids

 ✔  Essential medicines

 ✔  First aid kit.  You can buy ready-made first aid kits or make up your own. See list of the minimum recommended items at        https://getthru.govt.nz/first-aid-kit.  Also consider taking a first aid course, followed by regular refresher sessions.       

 ✔  Emergency water and easy-to-carry food rations such as energy bars and dried foods in case there are delays in reaching a       welfare centre or a place where you might find support

 ✔  If you have any special dietary requirements, ensure you have extra supplies

 ✔  Essential items for infants or young children such as formula and food, nappies and a favourite toy

 ✔  Change of clothes (wind/waterproof clothing and strong outdoor shoes)

 ✔  Toiletries – towel, soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, toilet paper

 ✔  Blankets or sleeping bags

 ✔  Face and dust masks

 ✔   Pet supplies

 ✔   Include important documents in your kit: identification (birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licences and passports),               financial documents (e.g. insurance policies and mortgage information), and precious family photos.

D.  TIMELINE OF natural disasters & Legislation on PUBLIC SAFETY since World War I

The following summarises key events since World War One that have led to the introduction of legislation on public safety and the forming of national, regional and local civil defence organisations to deal with emergency situations, including riots and natural disasters -  earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, tsunamis and volcanic activity. 

NEMA's web page Historical emergencies lists where there has been a Civil Defence response from 1967 onwards. You can search by year, region and type of emergency.   

1910s: Impact of World War One

The New Zealand government passed the War Regulations Act 1914 on 2 November 1914, an umbrella Act for subsequent rules and regulations concerning wartime matters (recruitment, enemy aliens, censorship, industrial conditions etc).  See: 'Index of wartime laws and regulations, 1914-21', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/index-wartime-laws-and-regulations-1914-21, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 20-Apr-2015

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Late 1920s - 1930s: Earthquakes, riots & Snowstorm

1939 - 1945: World War Two

1940s:  Earthquakes & TorNado

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1951: Waterfront strikes

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1950s: Natural disasters & nuclear threats

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1959 - 1990: Ministry of Civil Defence

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1991: Resource Management Act

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

1999: Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2002: CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (CDEM) ACT

In 2002, the local authorities were divided into regions to pool civil defence resources as there were eight-six local authorities in existence at that time. Sixteen regions called Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups (CDEM Groups) were formed. 

Since November 2010, our local government consists of 78 local authorities - 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities. The territorial authorities consist of 53 district councils, the Chathams Islands Territory, 12 city councils and an Auckland Council (formed from the amalgamation on 8 former councils on 1 Nov 2010).  Six of the territorial authorities - Auckland, 1 City (Nelson) and 4 District Councils (Chatham Islands, Gisborne, Marlborough & Nelson) also have the powers of a regional council and are referred to as unitary authorities/councils.  

Hence, each CDEM Group is a joint committee of local authorities. Each of the sixteen CDEM Groups has become a consortia of its local authorities, emergency services, lifeline utilities organisations (such as water, wastewater, electricity, natural gas, petroleum, telecommunications, and roading), welfare organisations (such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army and SPCA), government departments and non-government organisations.  

Regional CDEM Group's role:    

Each CDEM Group provides leadership & support for its region's local authorities in the delivery of co-ordinated and collaborative emergency services.  It  is required to prepare a CDEM Group Plan outlining arrangements for managing the specific risks and potential emergencies within its area that take into account legislative Acts. 

Each Group has a Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) led by the Group Controller and local Controllers can also be appointed to carry out any of the functions, duties or powers of the Group Controller.  The CEG is responsible for advising the CDEM Group, implementing its decisions, and overseeing the development, implementation and currency of the CDEM Group Plan.  Each CDEM Group has a Recovery Manager and Local Recovery Managers may also be appointed. Each CDEM Group has its own website and social media pages, and provides guidance, hazard information, strategic support and operational advice to local authorities during, before and after an emergency.   

To find out which of the 16 regional CDEM Groups your area belongs to and the potential hazards and risks in your area, see National Emergency Management Agency: Local civil defence groups   You can also view a graphic representation of  the location of the CDEM groups on a NZ map. For further information, see CDEM Sector: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/cdem-sector/ 

Local Authority's role:

Under the  Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002, local authorities are responsible for civil defence and emergency management (CDEM) services in their area.   A local authority may be represented on its region's CDEM Group by a member who is the Mayor, the Chairperson or a Councillor.  

Each Council has formed its Emergency Response Team who are trained in Emergency Management, Emergency Operations Centre and Civil Defence Centre operations. A Recovery Manager may also be appointed to work with the regional CDEM Group Recovery Manager, to coordinate and facilitate immediate, medium and long term recovery activities. A local authority can directly carry out a response and recovery operation. It can also receive support from their CDEM Group, and be assisted by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) during a large-scale disaster.  

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) sets out the powers and procedures through which local government can set policies to control land use and development, including for the purposes of avoiding or mitigating natural hazards (s30, s31).    

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2002: THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT

The Local Government Act (LGA) 2002 which was assented on  24 December 2002,  sets out the roles, powers of, and obligations on local government.  Among the core functions of local government is its role in providing good quality infrastructure and public services for the current and future needs of the community (Section 3). A core service to be considered in performing this role is the avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards (Section 11A).    

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2000s: Landslips, Storms, earthquakes, Fires &                  flooding 

The National Hazardscape Report was published in September 2007.  It identified 17 key hazards affecting New Zealand - geological, meteorological, biological, technological and social hazards -  and how the hazards were currently managed across the 4 Rs:  Reduction, Readiness, Response and Recovery.    

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dec 2019: NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency)

The Government decided to establish the National Emergency Management Agency as part of the Government's response to the Ministerial review into "Better responses to natural disasters and other emergencies" commissioned after the November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake and tsunami and the 2017 Port Hills fire. 

National security - three-level approach

For national security issues, including significant crises or security events requiring the co-ordination of all-of-government planning and prioritisation, central government activates the following three level-approach:

External Relations and Security Committee (ERS)

ERS is the cabinet-level committee of the DPMC and is chaired by the Prime Minister. It is the key decision-making body of executive government for co-ordinating and directing national responses to major crises or circumstances affecting national security (either domestic or international) and significant hazards. 

Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC)                        

ODESC is ta committee of Chief Exceutives providing  all-of-government coordination of the issues being dealt with and ensures that the lead agency and those in support have the resources and capabilities required to bring the response to an effective resolution.

Lead and support agencies  e.g.  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

An emergency requiring national level support is coordinated from the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC), located in the sub-basement of the Executive Wing of Parliament (the Beehive). Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, work began towards establishing an Alternative National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in Auckland.  Which agencies will lead or provide a supporting role depends on the type of hazard. In some instances, the lead agency is NEMA, whereas in others it is Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. NEMA will then take the necessary steps, as happened after the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake - the National Recovery Manager was tasked with coordinating and supporting central and local government recovery activities following the  a 7.8 magnitude quake and tsunami. See NEMA: 2016 Earthqukae Recovery.  

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides strategic leadership to build hazards emergency management capability and capacity, before, during and after national, regional and local emergencies.  It was initially formed in 1959 as the Ministry of Civil Defence, and was renamed the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) in 1999. When it was renamed NEMA on 1 December 2019, it  became an autonomous Departmental Agency with its own Chief Executive and Minister for Emergency Management, and is hosted by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.   

NEMA's role

NEMA liaises with central government, regional clusters of local authorities (called CDEM Groups), individual local authorities, emergency services, communities, Iwi, businesses and utilities that maintain essential infrastructure services (such as water, waster water, electricity, natural gas, petroleum, transport and telecommunications), government agencies and non-government agencies. It's role is to enable CDEM Groups and agencies to: 

• understand the hazards and risks; and
• work to reduce those hazards; and 
• build resilience in respect of those hazards; and 
• build capability and capacity to provide co-ordinated, integrated, and effective responses to, and recovery from, emergencies. 

Depending on the emergency, NEMA will lead and co-ordinate assistance during large-scale disasters, or support the response and recovery by a local council or regional CDEM Group and others on emergency management.  NEMA also monitors the performance of the CDEM Groups. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

2020s: Civil Defence emergency reponses

For more information on weather events from 1800s to the present:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

28 JUNE 2022: NEMA’S MONITORING, ALERTING AND REPORTING (MAR) CENTRE OPENED 

NEMA operated by rostering emergency management staff  on throughout the day and having a second, on-call overnight/weekend duties roster arrangement. Following the Kaikōura earthquake of 2016 and Port Hills fire of 2017, the 2018 Ministerial Review into "Better responses to natural disasters and other emergencies" was held. The Review's recommendation was to establish a round-the-clock operation for monitoring and alerting emergencies, so that alerts could be provided and distributed more quickly – particularly in the case of tsunami warnings.  

The outcome was the opening of the NEMA’s Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting (MAR) Centre on 28 June 2022 by the Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty.  The Centre's staff are rostered on teams to monitor, alert and report on potential hazards twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Alerts are to be provided to the Government, Civil Defence groups, local councils, and first-responders, as well as to the public. The MAR Centre's mission statement is: "To inform our partners, the government and the New Zealand public of emerging and imminent natural hazard risks to support a safe and resilient Aotearoa New Zealand."   

Source:

• Stuff.co.nz: André Chumko (28 June 2022),  New 24/7 national emergency response centre aims to cut disaster delays.
• National Emergency Management Agency: 24-7 Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting Centre (MARC)  

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In summary: How prepared are we?

FIND OUT MORE:

Get ready, URL: https://getready.govt.nz/

Ministry of Civil Defence (1990). Civil Defence in New Zealand: A short history, URL: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/publications/Short-History-of-Civil-Defence.pdf

Ministry of Education: Managing emergencies and traumatic incidents, URL: https://www.education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/emergencies-and-traumatic-incidents/

National Emergency Management Agency, URL: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/about/about-nema/

National Emergency Management Agency: Previous emergencies, URL: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/previous-emergencies/ 

{This DigitalNZ story was compiled in June 2022. For emergencies where a Civil Defence response may have occurred after June 2022, check NEMA's website: Historical emergencies)