The very nature of an emergency is that it is unpredictable. It can vary in scope and impact. An emergency can threaten public safety, the environment, the economy, critical infrastructure or the health of the public.
A national emergency often affects access to health care services and the health care system’s ability to respond to the public’s health needs. Emergency preparedness is progressive, continuously building increased resilience among the public and relevant agencies. This ongoing process involves careful planning, designing of response actions, testing and evaluation of processes and continual updating.
For the health sector, careful planning in particular is critical to safe-guarding the public health care system. Education and training of the health workforce, who will activate the health emergency plan should it be required, are also essential.
Roles and responsibilities across agencies
New Zealand’s emergency management system involves close coordination between health and emergency management agencies to ensure a unified response to crises.
- The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora provides strategic oversight and policy direction, including the National Health Emergency Plan and New Zealand’s Pandemic Plan.
- Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora leads the operational response to emergencies within the health system. Find more information on the Health New Zealand website.
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the national lead for all-hazard emergency management. Find more information and resources on the NEMA website.
