This year, New Zealand has declared eight states of emergency due to severe weather, matching the total for all of 2025. Intense rain and flooding have hit various areas, particularly in the North Island, resulting in emergency orders. According to Civil Defence data, 2023 has already seen more emergency declarations than 21 of the past 24 years.
Over the weekend, several districts, including Ōtorohanga and Waipā, announced emergency status, as heavy rains affected many regions. Earlier this year, from January 20 to 21, states of emergency were issued in places like Whangārei and Bay of Plenty due to a deadly storm. This storm resulted in nine fatalities, with some lives lost in landslides.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) stresses that climate change is a factor in these weather patterns. Warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger winds during storms.
Whitianga and Tauranga recently recorded their wettest days ever. Events like these raise awareness of how climate change is impacting daily life. According to recent surveys, 68% of New Zealanders believe extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, echoing concerns of experts who emphasize the need for resilience planning.
In New Zealand, a state of emergency allows for special powers to respond to crises. Local officials might declare this if the situation exceeds normal management capacities. While not every emergency warrants a declaration, once made, it grants powers such as closing roads, providing emergency supplies, and facilitating evacuations.
These emergency powers last up to seven days, which can be extended if necessary. With increasing weather-related events, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective community safety and response.
For more details on New Zealand’s emergency management strategies, visit the National Emergency Management Agency.
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