Canterbury Councils Consider Emergency Management Reforms

Thursday, 21 August 2025, 5:18 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Canterbury councils fear a new national emergency response system could come at a cost to ratepayers. 

The Government released a report last week, which indicated proposed emergency management reforms would cost councils $82.8 million over four years. 

It will require councils to update civil defence plans and to better engage with communities and iwi.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has said the extra financial burden will leave many councils with no option but to increase rates. 

It said the Government could reduce the burden on councils by introducing a civil defence levy, which could be included with insurance premiums. 

The Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward said councils have a role in helping communities to be prepared, as well as responding to and recovering from natural disasters. 

‘‘In terms of the roadmap itself, we have not carried out an assessment yet as to the potential impact on our costs. 

‘‘We have good systems and processes in place already and it could be that we can integrate our current systems at very little cost.’’ 

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, requiring many councils to change the way they respond. 

Waimakariri introduced an emergency response team as part of last year’s Long Term Plan. 

Mr Millward said a lack of centrally co-ordinated software for civil defence had led to several councils, including Waimakariri, taking the initiative to bring in a system used overseas. 

‘‘From a whole of country point of view, the workforce that can be called on varies from council to council and we have for a number of years held the belief there needs to be a better system for the whole.’’ 

Environment Canterbury acting director operations Dr Tim Davie said council staff are reviewing the report to assess the potential implications for the region. 

‘‘We support the goal of strengthening New Zealand’s emergency management system. 

‘‘However, we share LGNZ’s concern about the financial pressures these reforms may place on councils, particularly in the absence of additional central government funding.’’ 

Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said his council is supportive of the proposed changes, but is concerned at the cost. 

‘‘This will have financial implications to us as a small council and will impact on ratepayers. 

‘‘We will continue to work closely both at a Canterbury group level and also with our neighbouring councils to support each other and operate as an extended emergency management network where we can.

‘‘We have seen some great examples recently of working closely together in times of adversity.’’

Hurunui District Council chief operations officer Daniel Harris said his council had not studied the proposal and was not in a position to comment. 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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