Historic step forward for emergency preparedness in Canterbury
In a significant milestone for regional emergency management, leaders from Waitaha Canterbury’s regional council and territorial authorities came together to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their commitment to a unified and collaborative approach to Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM).
The signing, held on Friday 22 August, brought together mayors, emergency managers and regional leaders under one roof to formalise a shared commitment to keeping Canterbury communities safe in times of crisis.
The MOU sets out a bold vision for collaboration, clarity and consistency in emergency response – a crucial step in a region where natural disasters don’t stop at district borders.
Clear and defined roles and responsibilities
Ashburton District Council Mayor, and Chair of Joint Committee, Canterbury CDEM Group Neil Brown said the MOU was a pivotal moment for regional cooperation.
“This agreement gives us clarity on our roles and shares responsibility when responding to critical incidents and emergency situations across Canterbury.
“It will help ensure that the workload is balanced across the region and strengthens our accountability to the communities we serve,” said Chair of Joint Committee, Canterbury CDEM Group Neil Brown.
The MOU outlines how councils across Canterbury will work together to meet the requirements of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, support the regional CDEM work programme, and actively engage other agencies and organisations with a stake in emergency management.
James Thompson, Regional Manager of the Canterbury CDEM Group, acknowledged the journey it took to get here.
“It’s been a bit of a journey to create this roles and responsibilities document. It’s awesome to have got there - it’s gone through a strong iterative building process,” he said.
Canterbury Regional Councillor John Sunckell said he was proud of the work done by the local and regional councils to develop this agreement.
“This is a great example of community leaders from across the region coming together to plan and find solutions for the benefit our communities."
“These types of agreements take time to get right, but I am proud that we’ve been able to get there and feel that we’re now in a stronger position than we were to share the load in times of need,” he said.
Why it matters
Canterbury’s CDEM model is unique in Aotearoa New Zealand. Unlike some regions with centralised emergency management, Canterbury operates a devolved system where each council funds and manages its own local CDEM team, while the Regional Emergency Management Office, Mana Whenua and partner agencies form the overarching Canterbury CDEM Group.
This structure reflects the region’s diversity and autonomy but also demands strong coordination. Emergencies – whether floods, earthquakes, or wildfires – don’t respect boundaries. Even when confined to one district, the response often involves neighbouring councils, regional support and sometimes national coordination.
The MOU becomes more than just a document – it signifies a promise to act in good faith, share resources and expertise, and uphold transparency and independence. It’s a commitment to work together, not just when disaster strikes, but in the planning, training and community engagement that builds resilience before emergencies happen.
Looking ahead
The agreement will remain in place for two years, providing a framework for collaboration and continuous improvement. As the climate changes and risks evolve, this historic MOU ensures Canterbury is not just reacting to emergencies – it’s ready for them.