About us

Established by the four Councils, Emergency Management Southland is responsible for the delivery of Civil Defence and Emergency Management responses throughout this region. Emergency Management Southland is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Emergency Coordination Centre which facilitates planning and operational activity during an event.

Emergency Management Southland is inviting public feedback on its draft Group Plan for 2025–2030, which sets the direction for how the region reduces risk, prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies.

The updated plan reflects significant changes to meet the evolving needs of Southland communities, including a stronger focus on wellbeing, equity, climate change, iwi partnership, and community empowerment.

Consultation runs from 6 October to 10 November 2025.

Key changes in the draft plan Include:

• A new vision focused on resilience, wellbeing, and prosperity.
• Three strategic objectives aligned with the National Disaster Resilience Strategy.
• A dedicated Tiaki Tangata section embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and iwi roles.
• Greater emphasis on community-led preparedness, including hubs, marae engagement, and animal welfare.
• Updated hazard and risk profiles, including climate change, tech reliance, and demographic shifts.
• A more inclusive governance structure and transparent monitoring framework.
• A plain-language, community-facing format with cultural narratives and practical tools.

Drop-in and chat with the Emergency Management Southland team at libraries around the region:

• Winton: Tuesday 14 October, 9.30-11.30am
• Invercargill: Friday 24 October, 11.30-1.30pm
• Te Anau: Tuesday 28 October, 1-3pm
• Gore: Friday 31 October, 1-3pm
• Stewart Island: Tuesday 4 November, 9.30-11.30am   

Download the Plan >

Read the FAQs about this consultation >

Submit your feedback using the online form here >

Email your feedback to consultation@cdsouthland.nz

Community driven response planning helps communities make sure they’re as ready as possible for any adverse event which may affect them. Communities who lead this response planning process are more likely to know each other, understand how to work together, be aware of the strengths, skills and resources within their community, and be sensitive to areas of potential vulnerability. Emergency Management Southland is supporting Southland communities to develop Community Response Plans and identify places which can be used as Community Emergency Hubs when needed.  To find out more about response planning in your community contact the team at Emergency Management Southland.