Ministerial Statements — Earthquake, Christchurch—Expiry of State of National Emergency

I wish to make a ministerial statement under Standing Order 347 in relation to the final extension of the state of national emergency in Christchurch City. Under section 71 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, on 18 and 24 April 2011 I further extended the duration of the state of national emergency in Christchurch city. I considered it necessary to keep the state of national emergency in place in order to provide the national controller with the necessary powers to respond to the aftershocks and further stabilise Christchurch City.

The situation in Christchurch has now improved significantly since the earthquake of 22 February 2011. Water has been restored to all areas outside the isolated red zone, 97 percent of households now have sewer access or access to temporary sewerage systems, power has been restored to all eastern suburbs and 60 percent of the central business district, all telecommunication networks are stable, and all roads outside the red zone cordon are passable. Good progress has been made in temporary housing and business recovery. The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority has been established, and there has been a smooth transition of responsibilities from the national controller to the new authority. I therefore consider that it is no longer necessary to have the state of national emergency over Christchurch city. The state of national emergency expired on 30 April 2011.

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the national controllers, John Hamilton and Steve Brazier, for the dedication they have shown during the almost 10 weeks of the state of national emergency, and for their many hours of work in response to this devastating earthquake. They have led teams of people who have shown similar dedication—firstly, to rescue people and then to restore lifelines to the people of Christchurch City who have been affected by the national disaster, which is the worst in New Zealand’s history. I have been proud to witness the civil defence response to the earthquake and to see the great community spirit shown by New Zealanders not only in Canterbury but around the country and around the world.