A State of Local Emergency has been declared across the South Island as councils and first responders deal with a number of flood related and life saving callouts.

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has declared a state of local emergency in Canterbury, extending emergency powers across the entire region, as heavy rain continues to cause flooding.

What does a state of local emergency mean?

Local authority delegated representatives, Mayors, or the Minister can declare a state of local emergency. The Minister also may declare a state of national emergency.

Declared emergencies have a maximum duration of seven days.

They may be extended (for up to another seven days) or terminated at any time.

Emergency powers under the CDEM Act 2002 enable CDEM Groups and controllers to, among other things, close or restrict access to roads or public places, remove or secure dangerous structures and materials, provide rescue, first aid, food, shelter etc, conserve essential supplies & regulate traffic, dispose of dead persons and animals. It also means authorities can enter onto premises e.g. to rescue people or save lives, evacuate premises/places, remove vehicles, vessels etc, requisition equipment, materials and assistance.

While in force, the State of National Emergency will allow the Director and local controllers, as needed, to provide for the conservation and supply of food, fuel and other essential supplies, regulate land, water and air traffic, to close roads and public places, to evacuate any premises, including any public place, and if necessary to exclude people or vehicles from any premises or place.