Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002

This New Zealand statute provides the legal framework for managing emergencies such as natural disasters, major incidents, and civil defence responses.

Below are the sections we may operate under. For the full legal wording, refer directly to the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.

Any person exercising powers under this Part of the Act must carry proof of identity and produce it if requested. They must also, if asked, provide evidence of or a general explanation of the authority under which they are acting, including the specific power or powers being exercised.

No Civil Defence declaration in force
In some situations, you may be operating under the authority of another lead agency such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand or Police. During the tasking briefing, confirm:

Who the lead authority is
What your responsibilities are
Which legislation or statutory powers the task relates to

Civil Defence declaration in force
Where a state of emergency has been declared for an area, a Controller, a constable, or any person acting under their authority may exercise the emergency powers provided under the Act.

Notes

s87 Entry on premises
Authorises Civil Defence emergency personnel to enter land, buildings, or other premises during a state of emergency to carry out response actions such as saving lives, protecting property, or managing hazards.
s88 Closing roads and public places
Allows authorised personnel to close roads, streets, public areas, or restrict access where necessary to protect public safety or support emergency operations.
s89 Removal of aircraft, vessels, vehicles, etc
Permits the removal, relocation, or destruction of aircraft, boats, vehicles, or other obstacles that are blocking emergency access or creating risk during response activities.
s90 Requisitioning powers
Enables Civil Defence authorities to take temporary control of land, buildings, vehicles, equipment, materials, or supplies required to support emergency response and recovery operations.
s91 Power to give directions
Allows authorised personnel to give instructions to individuals or groups to take specific actions necessary for safety or operational purposes during an emergency.
s93 Person exercising emergency powers to provide proof of identity
Requires any person using Civil Defence emergency powers to present official identification when reasonably requested to confirm their authority.