State of national emergency extended fourth time – to April 28

The state of national emergency to support the COVID-19 response has been extended a further seven days.

Initially declared on March 25, the seven-day declaration can be extended as many times as necessary without changing COVID-19 alert levels.

“On the advice of the director of Civil Defence Emergency Management and after consultation with the prime minister, I consider the state of national emergency should remain in place to support the COVID-19 response,” Civil Defence minister Peeni Henare says.

“As we prepare to move to alert level three next Tuesday, it is important that we continue to have the powers activated by the state of national emergency available to maintain the level of success we have seen to date in making progress towards stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”

That enables critical work to be done, including managing roads, traffic and public places; providing first aid, food, shelter and accommodation.

“Use of these powers has included authorising local councils to restrict vehicle access to roads or streets to support social distancing, directing freedom campers to relocate, requisitioning a carpark for COVID-19 testing, stopping people from lighting outdoor fires to reduce the risk of fire related emergencies, and allowing necessary maintenance to happen at a waste water treatment plant,” Henare says.

“It is vital that everyone remembers we are still at alert level four until 11.59pm on Monday April 27.”