FAQs about official information requests during or following extreme emergency event

Access to information is crucial both during, and in the aftermath of a significant regional or national emergency event. It complements and strengthens the recovery process by involving the community, and enabling mutual understanding, transparency and broad participation.

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to address common concerns regarding the processing of requests for official information following an emergency situation. Events such as extreme regional flooding, earthquake, cyclone, or other regional or national extreme emergency events that require an unanticipated and profound diversion of resources by local and/or central government agencies to respond. These FAQs are intended to cover the general principles to think about in these situations.

The declaration of a state of emergency authorises civil defence staff to exercise some compulsory powers like accessing information and premises. The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 doesn’t otherwise affect duties under other enactments.

Additionally, there isn’t anything in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, Official Information Act 1982 or Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 which would impact how information requests should be handled during a state of emergency. This reflects that ongoing access to official information generally is a fundamental principle that should not be withdrawn lightly. However, there are tools available in the official information legislation to manage requests that may be used in emergency situations.