Civil defence emergency management-
(a) means the application of knowledge measures and practices that
(i) are necessary or desirable for the safetly of the public or property; and
(ii) are designed to guard against, prevent reduce or overcome any hazard or harm or loss that may be associated with any emergencies; and
(b) Includes, without limitation, the planning organisation, co-ordination and implementation of those measures, knowledge, and practices.
Waimate has three controllers who cover civil defence within the district. The control centre at the Waimate District Council building is staffed by people trained in Emergency Management.
Emergency -
(a) means a situation that is the result of any happening whether natural or other wise, including, without limitation, any explosion, earthquake, eruption, tsunami, land movement, flood, storm, tornado, cyclone, serious fire, leakage or spillage of any dangerous gas or substance, technological failure, infestation, plague, epidemic, failure of or disruption to an emergency service or a lifeline utility, or actual or imminent attack or warlike act; and
(b) causes or may cause loss of life or injury or illlness or distress or in any way endangers the safety of the public or property in New Zealand or any part of New Zealand; and
(c) cannot be dealt with by emergency services, or otherwise require a significant and co-ordinated reponse under the act.
From Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002