Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002

Powers in relation to civil defence emergency management

86: Evacuation of premises and places

You could also call this:

"Leaving a building or area to stay safe during an emergency"

If there is a state of emergency, a Controller or a constable can decide what to do to keep people safe. You might be told to leave a building or an area if it is not safe. A Controller or constable can also stop people or vehicles from entering a building or area if it is not safe. This can happen in any public place.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

This page was last updated on 18 July 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM150799.

Topics:

Government and voting > Emergency management

85: Emergency powers of Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, or

"What special powers do Civil Defence groups have during emergencies to keep you safe?"

87: Entry on premises, or

"People in charge can enter homes or buildings to help keep you safe during an emergency."

Part 5Powers in relation to civil defence emergency management

86Evacuation of premises and places

If a state of emergency is in force and, in the opinion of a Controller or any constable, the action authorised by this section is necessary for the preservation of human life, that person or a person authorised by him or her may direct, within the area or district in which the emergency is in force,—
the evacuation of any premises or place, including any public place; or
the exclusion of persons or vehicles from any premises or place, including any public place.

Compare

1983 No 46 s 60(1)

Notes

Section 86: amended, at 9.59 pm on 29 November 2016, by section 26 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 88).
Section 86: amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).