Although major disasters are rare in New Zealand, it is no stranger to a large range of natural hazards. Indeed, the nation’s capital sits directly over two seismic fault lines, so the consequences of a large-scale earthquake could be devastating.
The New Zealand Ministry for Civil Defense and Emergency Management (MCDEM), in partnership with other key organisations such as New Zealand Red Cross Society (NZRC), has developed a National Civil Defence Emergency Management Strategy, with the aim of fostering a “resilient New Zealand.” However, it has recognised that the potential exists for a scale of disaster exceeding national capacities. Consequently, MCDEM is leading an initiative to develop specific procedures for receiving international assistance.
During this process, NZRC has been active in promoting use of the IDRL Guidelines and creating greater awareness of the legal challenges that can arise during international relief and recovery operations. In 2007, it hosted a workshop on IDRL to consider experiences in other countries. This year, it hired a policy officer whose responsibilities will include following up on IDRL.
“It’s clear that if there were a major disaster in New Zealand, it’s likely that we would require some kind of international assistance, and the international community would be quick to offer its support,” said Glenn Rose, NZRC Humanitarian Programmes Manager, “It’s important that we have good systems in place to manage that effectively.”