The Government has announced new investment in emergency management systems through Budget 2026, aimed at improving response times, coordination.
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell said the funding will address current limitations in how emergency management data is collected and shared, noting that existing systems are fragmented and can delay access to critical information.
“This investment will ensure faster, more effective response and recovery, better situational awareness and coordination across agencies, and reduced harm to New Zealand communities from hazards such as storms, floods and earthquakes,” said Mr Mitchell.
Central to this is the delivery of modern technology platforms that will enable the development of a Common Operating Picture (COP), which will provide emergency personnel with a shared, real-time view of information such as hazard maps, evacuation data, infrastructure status, population distribution, and available resources.
“… AI-assisted analysis of satellite imagery and spatial data could help identify areas were buildings, roads, bridges, or other critical infrastructure may have been damaged.”
The COP is designed to ensure that personnel across agencies and locations have access to consistent, up-to-date information, supporting decision-making before, during, and after emergencies.
The COP forms part of the broader Emergency Management Sector Operational Systems (EMS-OS) programme. In addition to shared situational awareness, EMS-OS will introduce tools to support operational tasking, inter-agency collaboration, and resource management throughout response and recovery phases.
The programme also includes upgrades to the National Warning System, with the aim of improving the speed and accessibility of public alerts during emergencies.
The Government has indicated that EMS-OS will explore the use of automation and artificial intelligence to assist in processing large volumes of information during major events. Potential applications include the analysis of satellite imagery and spatial data following earthquakes, floods, or severe weather.
“For example, after a major earthquake, flood or severe weather event AI-assisted analysis of satellite imagery and spatial data could help identify areas were buildings, roads, bridges, or other critical infrastructure may have been damaged,” said the Minister.
Such analysis could assist responders in identifying impacted areas, prioritising ground assessments, and informing decisions related to access, welfare, and recovery planning.
The country’s exposure to natural hazards, including earthquakes, storms, and flooding, has been cited as a key driver for the investment. The Government expects the new systems to improve situational awareness, enhance coordination across agencies, and support more effective response and recovery efforts.
The EMS-OS programme sits alongside other planned reforms, including the proposed Emergency Management Bill and the Strengthening Emergency Management Roadmap, which Cabinet has agreed to in principle.
According to the Government, the combined programme of work is intended to strengthen the overall emergency management system and improve the country’s ability to respond to and recover from major events.
