Updating how we manage buildings in an emergency

Posted: 3 February 2021

MBIE is investing in a programme of improvements to the Building Management in Emergencies arrangements to ensure we are able to provide the support, national coordination and leadership that is required in an emergency.

When a damage-causing emergency occurs, it’s critical that territorial authorities are able to quickly mobilise the right resources to protect lives, buildings, public thoroughfares and critical infrastructure.

As a steward of building management in emergencies, we play a significant role at a national coordination level when an emergency occurs – from the initial response right through to recovery. This requires having coordinated readiness, response, and recovery arrangements in place that involve building owners, territorial authorities, CDEM Groups, agencies, and building professionals.

What are we doing?

The project will primarily focus on activities in the “readiness” phase of the emergency management cycle to ensure that we are fully prepared to respond to an event.  We have formed a Technical Working Group of subject matter experts representing a range of stakeholders including professional bodies, crown entities, local government and central government to advise on new initiatives.

As part of this project, you can expect to see:

  • a framework for how the National Coordination of building management in emergencies works as a system – including when changes are required by the Building Act 2004, guidance for other agencies, and operational instructions
  • clarification of who does what in the building management in an emergency process
  • a capability development model, including role descriptors, training pathways, registration and review guidance
  • alternative solutions for administering the Rapid Building Assessors register and sharing contact information during response
  • deployment and mobilisation planning.

We’re looking for feedback

Our team are looking to speak to CEs, CDEM Controllers, Cluster Group Meetings, professional bodies or staff involved in building emergency management. We’ll also be seeking feedback on many aspects of this work as we go – please get in touch if you would like to be added to our mailing list for the latest updates and consultations on this project.

Contact our Building Emergency Management Team

Find out more about managing buildings in an emergency

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: