Christchurch City Council raises major concerns over Emergency Management Bill

Christchurch City Council has raised significant concerns about the Government’s new Emergency Management Bill (No 2).

The proposed legislation will impose significant new costs on local authorities, create uncertainty in emergency roles, and place new demands on communities without adequate national support.

While the Council supports modernising New Zealand’s emergency management framework, it says the Bill lacks clarity in key areas, places unrealistic expectations on local government, and assumes workforce capacity that does not currently exist.

The Council’s draft submission highlights that many of the Bill’s new duties, such as expanded emergency planning, increased community engagement obligations, and higher compliance expectations, do not come with corresponding resourcing.

The Council says this risks placing unsustainable pressure on local authorities already managing multiple national reforms and proposed rate caps.

The submission also says the Bill fails to fully recognise essential services such as waste removal, food distribution, financial systems, river management, and aviation and maritime navigation.

It calls for clearer definitions of responsibilities across all levels of government, consistent Controller powers, proper resourcing for Māori roles, and guidance on engaging with disproportionately affected communities.

The Council wants a national implementation plan with clear guidance, templates, workforce support, and realistic timeframes, and has asked to work with central government and sector partners to develop the detailed frameworks needed to make the new system effective and workable.