State of emergency is a term used by states to indicate that, due to a particular crisis or disaster, the normal functioning of the state is suspended and certain rights are restricted. In practice, state of emergency powers allow governments to put through policies they would not normally be able to. Such emergencies include natural disasters, civil unrest or armed conflict and medical pandemics or epidemics.
Many states have specific statutes that permit the declaration of a state of emergency, or the governor may invoke emergency powers based on the advice of the council. The scope of such statutes varies from state to state, but typically the declaration allows for the activation of the state’s response plans and other authorities, including suspending constitutional rights and imposing curfews.
The use of state of emergency is an essential tool for addressing unexpected crises, enabling governments to react more rapidly and effectively than they would under normal circumstances. These tools also help to address legislative gridlock and the influence of special interests that might otherwise delay or block necessary action.
In New Zealand, the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 empowers the Government and local-body councils to declare a state of emergency within an area of the country or a region, depending on their needs. A state of emergency usually expires seven days after the date of a declaration unless extended, but may be renewed by the Minister of Civil Defence or a local mayor.