Joint Standing Committee
The Joint Stainding Committee is a statutory standing committee with overall responsibility for setting the strategic direction and conducting the business of Civil Defence Emergency Management in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
The Joint Committee comprises the mayors of all district and city councils in the region (Horowhenua, Palmerston North, Tararua, Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Whanganui and Ruapehu) and the chair of Horizons Regional Council, alongside Iwi representation.
Meetings are attended by members of the CDEM group and representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). However, only the Mayors and Chairs are voting members of the Joint Standing Committee.
Elected members can read more about their role and responsibilities in the Manawatū-Whanganui CDEM Emergency Management Elected Officials Guide
Coordinating Executive Group
The Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) provides strategic advice with the role of implementing the decisions of the Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group. The CEG ensures oversight of the implementation, development, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation of the Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group Plan.
- Horizons Regional Council
- Horowhenua District Council
- Rangitīkei District Council
- Palmerston North City Council
- Tararua District Council
- Ruapehu District Council
- Whanganui District Council
- Manawatū District Council
- NZ Defence Force
- Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
- Lifelines Advisory Group
- Rural Coordination Group
- Group Welfare Manager
- Hato Hone St John
- National Emergency Management Agency
- NZ Police
- Fire and Emergency NZ
- Iwi Representative
- Ministry of Social Development
Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group Plan
The Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group Plan sets outs the vision, goals and high-level arrangements for the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 requires Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group to review its group plan for the region every five years.
As a result, a review and update of Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group Plan went out for public consultation in 2025. Submissions were received on the draft plan, with some people speaking to their submissions.
A draft updated plan can be found here, while the current plan can be found here.
The Group Plan provides for effective risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery in Manawatū-Whanganui by:
- Identifying the major hazards and risk profile for the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
- Clarifying expected roles, responsibilities and functions of all parties contributing to Emergency Management.
- Encouraging cooperative planning and action between the various agencies and the Manawatū-Whanganui community.
- Outlining the high-level objectives/actions for the Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group and its partners for the next five years.
National Legislation and Strategies
The CDEM Act
The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 is the foundational piece of legislation which New Zealand can prepare for, deal with, and recover from local, regional and national emergencies.
The National Disaster Resilience Strategy
The National Disaster Resilience Strategy is a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing the country's ability to withstand and recover from disasters. The strategy emphasizes a collaborative and integrated approach involving government agencies, local communities, businesses, and individuals. It focuses on building resilience at all levels by addressing key areas such as hazard identification and risk reduction, community engagement and empowerment, infrastructure resilience, and effective response and recovery efforts.
National Disaster Resilience Strategy
National Emergency Management Agency
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the government lead for emergency management. NEMA supports local, regional and national understanding and coordination. This includes among government, iwi, local government, and private and community organisations.