(1)
The Minister may declare that a state of national emergency exists over the whole of New Zealand or any areas or districts if at any time it appears to the Minister that—
an emergency has occurred or may occur; and
the emergency is, or is likely to be, of such extent, magnitude, or severity that the civil defence emergency management necessary or desirable in respect of it is, or is likely to be, beyond the resources of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups whose areas may be affected by the emergency.
(2)
The Minister must advise the House of Representatives as soon as practicable where a state of national emergency has been declared or extended.
(3)
If a declaration of a state of national emergency is made, any other state of emergency then in force in the area to which the state of national emergency applies ceases to have effect.
(4)
Despite subsection (3), if a state of national emergency for COVID-19 is declared after the commencement of this subsection, subsection (3) does not terminate any local state of emergency for other emergencies that are not related to COVID-19.
(5)
Subsection (4) is repealed when the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 is repealed.
Compare: 1983 No 46 ss 46, 50
Section 66(4): inserted, on 13 May 2020, by section 36 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 (2020 No 12).
Section 66(5): inserted, on 13 May 2020, by section 36 of the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 (2020 No 12).