What we do

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is one part of a much larger emergency management system – domestically and internationally.

Our role

Our role is to co-ordinate, lead and support Aotearoa New Zealand’s Emergency Management System so that risks are reduced and communities are ready to respond and able to recover.

NEMA’s vision is that Aotearoa New Zealand is a disaster resilient nation that proactively manages risk and builds resilience in a way that contributes to wellbeing and prosperity.

NEMA supports the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Director of CDEM, National Controller and National Recovery Manager to carry out their functions and powers under the CDEM Act 2002.

NEMA, in supporting the Minister and Director of CDEM, is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the legislative framework for emergency management – the CDEM Act 2002, the National Disaster Resilience Strategy and the National CDEM Plan.

NEMA regulates the emergency management system under the CDEM Act 2002. As part of this, NEMA has a role to play as system Steward, Assurer and Operator.

NEMA also:

leads the response to and recovery from emergencies caused by geological and meteorological hazards, space weather and infrastructure failure
provides national tsunami warnings; and
supports other lead agencies.

Strategic Framework

The Strategic Framework guides NEMA in meeting the Government’s vision for Aotearoa New Zealand’s emergency management system.

NEMA Strategic Framework - Te Reo version (.pdf 1.8mb)

NEMA Strategic Framework - English version (.pdf 1.8mb)

Strategic Direction 2025-2035

Strengthening Emergency Management: The National Emergency Management Agency’s Strategic Direction 2025 – 2035 is the long-term roadmap of NEMA’s direction. It has a 10 year horizon that expands on NEMA’s Strategic Framework.

Strengthening Emergency Management: The National Emergency Management Agency’s Strategic Direction 2025 – 2035 - digital version (.pdf 5mb)

Strengthening Emergency Management: The National Emergency Management Agency’s Strategic Direction 2025 – 2035 - print version (.pdf 5.1mb)

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is a departmental agency of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC). NEMA annual reporting and strategic intentions are through DPMC.

Annual reports

Strategic intentions

The Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery gives an overview of the Emergency Management portfolio and identifies some of the more significant issues and opportunities. Prior to 2020, the Emergency Management ministerial portfolio was titled 'Civil Defence'.

Emergency Management and Recovery

Emergency Management

Civil Defence

Disclosure of the Chief Executive of the National Emergency Management Agency's expenses including gifts, hospitality and travel.

Integrating diversity and inclusion is a key component for our organisational success. It helps us improve our services to the government and people of New Zealand, and to attract and retain talented employees.