Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002

Powers in relation to civil defence emergency management

88: Closing roads and public places

You could also call this:

"Keeping you safe: closing roads and public places during emergencies"

If a state of emergency is happening, a Controller or a constable can stop people from using some roads or public places. They can do this to prevent the emergency from getting worse. You might not be allowed to drive or walk on certain roads or in certain public areas if it's not safe.

A Controller or constable can make this decision, or they can give someone else the authority to make it. This can be done according to a civil defence emergency management plan. The plan helps keep people safe during emergencies.

The person in charge can totally or partially close a road or public place to keep you safe. This means you might not be able to go there at all, or you might have limited access. The Controller or constable is trying to prevent or limit the emergency, and they have the power to make decisions about roads and public places to do so.

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This page was last updated on 19 May 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM151401.

Topics:

Government and voting > Emergency managementEnvironment and resources > Conservation

87: Entry on premises, or

"Authorities can enter homes or buildings to help people during an emergency"

89: Removal of aircraft, vessels, vehicles, etc, or

"Moving vehicles and things that block emergency help"

Part 5Powers in relation to civil defence emergency management

88Closing roads and public places

If a state of emergency is in force, a Controller or a constable, or any person acting under the authority of a Controller or constable, or any person so authorised in a relevant civil defence emergency management plan, may, in order to prevent or limit the extent of the emergency, totally or partially prohibit or restrict public access, with or without vehicles, to any road or public place within the area or district in respect of which the state of emergency is in force.

Compare

s 62(1)

Notes

Section 88: amended, on 1 October 2008, pursuant to section 116(a)(ii) of the Policing Act 2008 (2008 No 72).