01/02 The Formation of CDEM Groups
Director's Guidelines for Local Authorities and Emergency Services [01/02]
Following a series of reviews initiated by local and central government, New Zealand determined to improve the ability of its emergency management sectors to plan cooperatively in managing hazards and better coordinate limited resources during disasters.
Parliament enacted the CDEM Act 2002 (the Act) to repeal and replace the Civil Defence Act 1983. The Act encourages a risk management approach to the sustainable management of hazards – natural and man-made.
This risk management process is applied across the '4Rs' of risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery, as well as being integrated through the involvement of all sectors within the wider CDEM community.
The Act requires CDEM Groups to be established. CDEM Groups were required to form by 1 June 2003.
The Act permits a great deal of flexibility for CDEM Groups to develop structures and arrangements that account for local circumstances, but it requires each Group to meet certain responsibilities and carry out functions such as hazard and risk management, and to provide personnel and resources to address emergency response and recovery.
Given the flexibility of approach that may be taken to CDEM Group formation and expected local variations, this document sets out guidance to assist in achieving a level of national consistency in specific areas.