13059 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs

Written Question

Published date: 21 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	13059 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Mike Davidson
Portfolio:	Minister of Internal Affairs
Minister replying:	Hon Brooke van Velden
Answer received:	15 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_13059_2026
Document guid:	e4202315-5235-463a-b45a-44a6069a1c4a

13059 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Internal Affairs: What is the chain of command that must be consulted for approval prior to swift water specialist teams being deployed to assist in an emergency, if any?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised that New Zealand Police are the lead coordinating agency for Search and Rescue. If Fire and Emergency have the capacity and capability to respond, Fire and Emergency’s Communication Centres request approval by the National Commanders Group as required.