Te Mana Hautū Governance
Strong governance ensures that we work effectively to support communities before, during and after emergencies.
Our work is directed by strategy and legislation set at a national level and governed at a regional level by our Management Committee and Coordinating Executive Group. We also benefit from the input and support of local community boards.
National Legislation and Strategy
The CDEM Act 2002 is the main legislation guiding how Civil Defence and emergency management is carried out in New Zealand. Under this Act, Auckland Emergency Management works to coordinate planning and response activities that help keep Aucklanders safe during emergencies.
Key points of the CDEM Act 2002:
- Requires local government, like Auckland Council, to identify, manage, and mitigate hazards and risks
- Encourages cooperation between agencies like emergency services, lifeline utilities, and other key stakeholders.
- Supports the development of community resilience through planning, preparedness, and education.
Our plans reflect the unique needs of our city, people, and communities. They are created with input from local experts, communities, and partner agencies to ensure they’re relevant and effective.
The CDEM Group Plan outlines Auckland’s strategy and approach to reducing risks, preparing for emergencies, and how we will respond and recover as a region. It highlights the roles of key organisations and how will with work together with communities.
Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Plan
The plan is regularly updated to address new challenges and to align with our communities’ changing needs.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides leadership to create an emergency management system that reduces the impact of emergencies. NEMA works with central and local government, iwi, and business to make sure emergency management is effective and integrated. Depending on the scale of the emergency, NEMA leads or supports the response and recovery.
NEMA has developed a National Resilience Strategy which provides the vision and long-term goals for improving New Zealand’s resilience. This strategy isn’t just for the emergency management sector. It invites individuals, NGOs, iwi, businesses, and communities to work together toward a resilient future.
Auckland Emergency Management is responsible for day-to-day planning, project work and managing operational arrangements on behalf of the Auckland Emergency Management Committee and Coordinating Executive Group.
The Auckland Emergency Management Committee (AEMC) oversees Civil Defence and emergency management efforts for the Auckland region. Made up of elected council representatives, the AEMC ensures that Auckland is well prepared for emergencies and works with local and national agencies to maintain Auckland’s safety and resilience. The Committee meets quarterly and plays a key role in strategic decision-making, ensuring plans align with national and regional priorities.
The Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) brings together leaders from key organisations involved in emergency management. This group includes representatives from emergency services, health authorities, lifeline utilities, and other agencies critical to emergency response. Chaired by the Chief Executive of Auckland Council, the CEG meets quarterly to ensure that Auckland Emergency Management’s plans are comprehensive and well-coordinated, making it easier to respond to emergencies more effectively.
Auckland’s local boards play an important role too. Local boards represent their communities and ensure that local needs are addressed in emergency planning and response. They also assist with recovery efforts by engaging with residents and supporting the community.
Reducing the impacts of emergencies on the wellbeing of individuals, whānau, and communities is a key focus of our work. We work with the Auckland Welfare Coordination Group (AWCG), which brings together emergency services, social and health services, and non-government organisations.
The AWCG also collaborates with the National Welfare Coordination Group to align with national guidance and ensure Auckland’s welfare services are ready to respond.