9298 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery

9298 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery: Is the Minister concerned about the usage of Starlink across some of the civil defence and emergency management teams across Aotearoa, given recent media reports of threats to turn Starlink off as a diplomatic tactic?

Hon Mark Mitchell: No, I am not concerned about the usage of Starlink across the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) sector. I am advised that the National Emergency Management Agency is not reliant on any single technology or provider. I acknowledge the critical role that reliable communications play for the CDEM Sector. As part of operational considerations, various agencies and organisations in Emergency Management Sector have adopted a range of satellite, radio, and mobile solutions to ensure resilience in times of crisis. Starlink is one such option that has been deployed to support emergency response efforts, particularly in remote or disaster-affected areas where traditional infrastructure was compromised. The ability to rapidly establish internet connectivity in such situations has proven valuable to response activities.