Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006

If you need more information about this Act, please contact the administering agency: Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice

Version as at 3 November 2021

Coat of Arms of New Zealand

Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006

Public Act
 
2006 No 85
Date of assent
 
18 December 2006
Commencement
 
see section 2
Note

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice.

Contents

1Title
2Commencement
3Purpose
4Interpretation
4ATransitional, savings, and related provisions
Epidemic notices and epidemic management notices
5Prime Minister may enable use of special powers
6Parliament must meet if epidemic notice given
7Renewal and modification of epidemic notices
8Activating other measures while epidemic notice in force
9Review of epidemic notices
10Review of epidemic management notices
Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions
11Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to facilitate management of serious outbreaks of disease
12Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to enable compliance during epidemic
13Application of prospective modifications
Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions
14Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to facilitate management of quarantinable disease
15Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to enable compliance during epidemic
Parliamentary scrutiny of immediate modifications
16Immediate modification orders to be presented to House of Representatives promptly
17Disallowance of immediate modification orders [Repealed]
18When immediate modification orders disallowed
19Disallowance has effect of revocation
20Lapse of notice of motion to disallow immediate modification order [Repealed]
21Notice of resolution to disallow immediate modification order
22Application of Part 5 of Legislation Act 2019
Other matters
23Areas within which modification orders operate
24Judges may modify rules of court during epidemic: Judge modifications in particular cases
24AJudges may modify rules of court during epidemic: Head of Bench modifications in categories of proceedings
25Certain common law doctrines not affected
26Effect of modification orders on requirements to tell people of their rights
27Provisions regarding COVID-19 set out in Schedule 2 [Repealed]
Schedule 1
Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Schedule 2
Provision regarding COVID-19
[Repealed]
Notes
 
1 Title

This Act is the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006.

2 Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.

3 Purpose

(1)

The principal purpose of this Act is to ensure that there is adequate statutory power for government agencies—

(a)

to try to prevent the outbreak of epidemics in New Zealand; and

(b)

to respond to epidemics in New Zealand; and

(c)

to respond to certain possible consequences of epidemics (whether occurring in New Zealand or overseas).

(2)

This Act also has the following purposes:

(a)

to ensure that certain activities normally undertaken by people and agencies interacting with government agencies can continue to be undertaken during an epidemic in New Zealand:

(b)

to enable the relaxation of some statutory requirements that might not be capable of being complied with, or complied with fully, during an epidemic.

4 Interpretation

(1)

In this Act,—

enactment does not include a rule of court

epidemic management notice means a notice under section 8(1)

epidemic notice means a notice under section 5(1)

High Court Rules has the same meaning as in section 4(1) of the Senior Courts Act 2016

immediate modification order means a modification order made under section 14(1) or 15(1)

modification order means an order made under section 11(1), 12(1), 14(1), or 15(1)

modify includes suspend and waive

person includes the Crown

prospective modification order means a modification order made under section 11(1) or 12(1)

rules of court, in relation to a court,—

(a)

means rules (for example, the High Court Rules), or any secondary legislation (for example, regulations), regulating the practice and procedure of the court:

(b)

for the purposes of section 24, includes any applicable modifications made, and in force, under section 24A.

(2)

For the purposes of this Act,—

(a)

the Minister of the Crown and department of State responsible for the administration of an enactment that is or forms part of secondary legislation are the Minister of the Crown and department of State responsible for the administration of the enactment under whose authority the legislation was made; and

(b)

the New Zealand Police is a department of State and the Commissioner of Police is its chief executive.

Section 4(1) High Court Rules: inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 8 of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 4(1) rules of court: inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 8 of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 4(2)(a): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

4A Transitional, savings, and related provisions

The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1 have effect according to their terms.

Section 4A: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).

Epidemic notices and epidemic management notices

5 Prime Minister may enable use of special powers

(1)

With the agreement of the Minister of Health, the Prime Minister may, by notice, declare that he or she is satisfied that the effects of an outbreak of a stated quarantinable disease (within the meaning of the Health Act 1956) are likely to disrupt or continue to disrupt essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand (or stated parts of New Zealand) significantly.

(2)

Subsection (1) applies whether the outbreak is occurring within New Zealand or overseas.

(3)

If not renewed under section 7(1), the notice expires on the earliest of the following:

(a)

the day 3 months after its commencement:

(b)

a day stated in the notice:

(c)

a day stated for the purpose by the Prime Minister by further notice.

(4)

The Prime Minister must not give the notice except on, and after considering, the written recommendation of the Director-General of Health.

(5)

[Repealed]

(6)

While the notice is in force, further notices may be given modifying its effect—

(a)

by lifting its application from stated parts of New Zealand; or

(b)

in the case of an epidemic notice that applies to only stated parts of New Zealand,—

(i)

by extending its application to other stated parts of New Zealand; or

(ii)

by extending its application to the whole of New Zealand.

(7)

After the notice expires, a new notice can be given in respect of the same disease.

(8)

A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

(9)

If a notice is made under this section,—

(a)

the Prime Minister is the relevant Minister for the purposes of section 114 of the Legislation Act 2019; and

(b)

the notice must be presented under that section as soon as possible after it is made.

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationThe maker must publish it in the GazetteLA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14
PresentationThe Prime Minister must present it to the House of Representatives as soon as possible after it is made (see subsection (9))LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the secondary legislation

Section 5(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 5(3)(c): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 5(5): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 72(1) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

Section 5(8): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 5(9): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 72(2) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

6 Parliament must meet if epidemic notice given

(1)

This subsection applies to an epidemic notice if, when it is given,—

(a)

Parliament has been prorogued until a day more than 7 days after the day on which the notice is given; or

(b)

Parliament has been prorogued, and the date on which it is next to meet has not been determined; or

(c)

Parliament has been dissolved or has expired, and no proclamation has been made summoning it to meet on a day not more than 7 days after the day on which the notice is given.

(2)

If subsection (1) applies to an epidemic notice,—

(a)

a Proclamation must be made appointing a day for Parliament to meet; and

(b)

the day must be—

(i)

a day not more than 7 days after the day on which the notice was given; or

(ii)

if the notice was given after Parliament had been dissolved or had expired and before the latest day appointed under the Electoral Act 1993 for the return of the writ for the election of members of Parliament, a day not more than 7 days after the latest day appointed for the return of the writ; and

(c)

Parliament must meet and sit on the day appointed.

(3)

This subsection applies to an epidemic notice if, when it is given, the House of Representatives is adjourned until a day more than 7 days after the day on which it is given.

(4)

If subsection (3) applies to an epidemic notice,—

(a)

the Speaker of the House of Representatives must, as soon as is practicable after it is made, by notice in the Gazette appoint a day and time for the House of Representatives to meet; and

(b)

the day must be not more than 7 days after the day on which the notice was given; and

(c)

the House of Representatives must meet and sit at the time and on the day appointed.

7 Renewal and modification of epidemic notices

(1)

With the agreement of the Minister of Health, the Prime Minister may, by notice given before an epidemic notice expires, renew that notice.

(2)

The Prime Minister must not give a notice under subsection (1)—

(a)

except on, and after considering, the written recommendation of the Director-General of Health; and

(b)

unless he or she is satisfied that the effects of the outbreak concerned are likely to continue to disrupt essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand (or the parts of New Zealand concerned) significantly.

(3)

If renewed under subsection (1), an epidemic notice expires on the earliest of the following:

(a)

the day 3 months after the commencement of the most recent notice renewing it:

(b)

a day stated in the most recent notice renewing it:

(c)

a day stated for the purpose by the Prime Minister by further notice.

(4)

A notice made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

(5)

If a notice is made under this section,—

(a)

the Prime Minister is the relevant Minister for the purposes of section 114 of the Legislation Act 2019; and

(b)

the notice must be presented under that section as soon as possible after it is made.

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationThe maker must publish it in the GazetteLA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14
PresentationThe Prime Minister must present it to the House of Representatives as soon as possible after it is made (see subsection (5))LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 7(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 73(1) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

Section 7(3)(c): amended, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 73(1) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

Section 7(4): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 73(2) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

Section 7(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 73(2) of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

8 Activating other measures while epidemic notice in force

(1)

While an epidemic notice is in force (or when making an epidemic notice), the Prime Minister may, with the agreement of the Minister responsible for the administration of the enactment concerned, by notice (stating the name of the quarantinable disease stated in the epidemic notice), state—

(a)

any matter that must be stated in order for action, or a particular action, to be taken under some other enactment referring to an epidemic management notice:

(b)

any matter that must be stated in order for the application of some other enactment referring to an epidemic management notice, or a provision of such an enactment, to be modified (or modified with a particular effect) by virtue of the giving of the notice:

(c)

that it activates—

(i)

either or both of the following:

(A)

one or more of the modifications made by one or more stated prospective modification orders:

(B)

all the modifications made by one or more stated prospective modification orders; or

(ii)

all the modifications made by all prospective modification orders.

(2)

The Prime Minister must not give a notice under subsection (1) unless satisfied that the effects of the outbreak concerned make it, or are likely to make it, reasonably necessary to do so.

(3)

A notice under subsection (1) expires when the epidemic notice concerned expires or is revoked.

(4)

A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationThe maker must publish it in the GazetteLA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14
PresentationIt is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 8(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 8(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

9 Review of epidemic notices

(1)

The Director-General of Health must keep under review, and keep the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health informed of, the situation out of which the making of an epidemic notice arose.

(2)

If no longer satisfied that the effects of the outbreak concerned are likely to disrupt or continue to disrupt essential governmental and business activity in New Zealand (or the parts of New Zealand concerned) significantly, the Prime Minister must promptly revoke the epidemic notice.

10 Review of epidemic management notices

(1)

The chief executive of the department of State responsible for the administration of an enactment affected by an epidemic management notice must keep under review, and keep the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for the administration of the enactment informed of, the operation of the enactment.

(2)

If no longer satisfied that it is necessary to state in the epidemic management notice a matter of a kind described in section 8(1) relating to the enactment, the Prime Minister must, by notice, revoke the part of the notice stating the matter (or, as the case requires, the notice).

(3)

A notice under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationThe maker must publish it in the GazetteLA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14
PresentationIt is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 10(2): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 10(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions

11 Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to facilitate management of serious outbreaks of disease

(1)

The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, modify (with prospective effect as stated in section 13) any requirement or restriction imposed by any enactment administered by the Ministry of Health.

(2)

The Minister of Health must not recommend the making of an order except on a written recommendation of the Director-General of Health, stating that, in the Director-General’s opinion, the modifications it makes are likely to be necessary to enable the effective management of serious outbreaks of diseases affecting people or their effects (or both).

(3)

A modification of a requirement or restriction—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made—

(i)

by stating alternative means of complying with the requirement or restriction; or

(ii)

by substituting a discretionary power for the requirement or restriction.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (1).

(5)

An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationPCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the GazetteLA19 s 69(1)(c)
PresentationThe Minister must present it to the House of RepresentativesLA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 11(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

12 Prospective modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to enable compliance during epidemic

(1)

The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of the Crown responsible for the administration of an enactment, modify (with prospective effect as stated in section 13) any requirement or restriction imposed by the enactment.

(2)

The Minister must not recommend the making of the order unless he or she—

(a)

has received from the chief executive of the department of State responsible for the administration of the enactment a written recommendation stating that, in the chief executive’s opinion,—

(i)

if a serious outbreak of a disease affecting people occurred in New Zealand, the effects might well be such that the requirement or restriction would be impossible or impracticable to comply (or comply fully) with; and

(ii)

the modification to be made goes no further than would be likely to be reasonably necessary in the circumstances; and

(b)

is himself or herself satisfied that—

(i)

the effects might well be such that the requirement or restriction would be impossible or impracticable to comply (or comply fully) with; and

(ii)

the modification goes no further than would be likely to be reasonably necessary in the circumstances.

(3)

Subsection (1) does not authorise—

(a)

a modification of a requirement—

(i)

to release a person from custody or detention; or

(ii)

to have any person’s detention reviewed by a court, Judge, or Registrar; or

(b)

a modification of a restriction on keeping a person in custody or detention; or

(c)

a modification of a requirement or restriction imposed by the Bill of Rights 1688, the Constitution Act 1986, the Electoral Act 1993, the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, or the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014, or by this Act.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not prevent the modification of a procedural requirement or restriction relating to a person in custody or detention, even if the effect (direct or indirect) of the modification is that the person stays in custody or detention longer than he or she otherwise would have stayed.

(5)

A modification of a requirement or restriction—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made—

(i)

by stating alternative means of complying with the requirement or restriction; or

(ii)

by substituting a discretionary power for the requirement or restriction.

(6)

Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (1).

(7)

An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationPCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the GazetteLA19 s 69(1)(c)
PresentationThe Minister must present it to the House of RepresentativesLA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 12(3)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 24 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50).

Section 12(3)(c): amended, on 8 August 2014, by section 35(2) of the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014 (2014 No 58).

Section 12(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

13 Application of prospective modifications

A modification made by a prospective modification order—

(a)

begins to apply (or to apply again) on the commencement of an epidemic management notice stating that it activates—

(i)

the modification; or

(ii)

all modifications made by the order; or

(iii)

the modifications made by all modification orders; and

(b)

ceases to apply on the earliest of—

(i)

the expiry of the epidemic management notice that activated the modification:

(ii)

the revocation of the epidemic management notice or part of an epidemic management notice that activated the modification:

(iii)

the revocation of the order.

Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions

14 Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to facilitate management of quarantinable disease

(1)

While an epidemic notice is in force, the Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of Health, modify any requirement or restriction imposed by any enactment administered by the Ministry of Health.

(2)

The Minister of Health must not recommend the making of an order except on a written recommendation of the Director-General of Health, stating that, in the Director-General’s opinion, the modifications it makes are or are likely to be necessary to enable the effective management of the quarantinable disease stated in the epidemic notice or its effects (or both).

(3)

A modification of a requirement or restriction—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made—

(i)

by stating alternative means of complying with the requirement or restriction; or

(ii)

by substituting a discretionary power for the requirement or restriction.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (1).

(5)

An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationPCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the GazetteLA19 s 69(1)(c)
PresentationThe Minister must present it to the House of RepresentativesLA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 14(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

15 Immediate modification of statutory requirements and restrictions to enable compliance during epidemic

(1)

While an epidemic notice is in force, the Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister of the Crown responsible for the administration of an enactment, modify any requirement or restriction imposed by the enactment.

(2)

The Minister must not recommend the making of an order unless he or she—

(a)

has received from the chief executive of the department of State responsible for the administration of the enactment concerned a written recommendation stating that, in the chief executive’s opinion,—

(i)

the effects of an epidemic of the quarantinable disease stated in the notice are, or are likely to be, such that the requirement or restriction is impossible or impracticable to comply (or comply fully) with; and

(ii)

the modifications it makes go no further than is, or is likely to be, reasonably necessary in the circumstances; and

(b)

is himself or herself satisfied that—

(i)

the effects are, or are likely to be, such that the requirement or restriction is impossible or impracticable to comply (or comply fully) with; and

(ii)

the modifications go no further than is, or is likely to be, reasonably necessary in the circumstances.

(3)

Subsection (1) does not authorise—

(a)

a modification of a requirement—

(i)

to release a person from custody or detention; or

(ii)

to have any person’s detention reviewed by a court, Judge, or Registrar; or

(b)

a modification of a restriction on keeping a person in custody or detention; or

(c)

a modification of a requirement or restriction imposed by the Bill of Rights 1688, the Constitution Act 1986, the Electoral Act 1993, the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, or the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014, or by this Act.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not prevent the modification of a procedural requirement or restriction relating to a person in custody or detention, even if the effect (direct or indirect) of the modification is that the person stays in custody or detention longer than he or she otherwise would have.

(5)

A modification of a requirement or restriction—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made—

(i)

by stating alternative means of complying with the requirement or restriction; or

(ii)

by substituting a discretionary power for the requirement or restriction.

(6)

Subsection (5) does not limit subsection (1).

(7)

An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationPCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the GazetteLA19 s 69(1)(c)
PresentationThe Minister must present it to the House of RepresentativesLA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 15(3)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 24 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50).

Section 15(3)(c): amended, on 8 August 2014, by section 35(3) of the Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014 (2014 No 58).

Section 15(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Parliamentary scrutiny of immediate modifications

16 Immediate modification orders to be presented to House of Representatives promptly

Every immediate modification order must be presented to the House of Representatives as soon as is practicable after it is made.

17 Disallowance of immediate modification orders
[Repealed]

Section 17: repealed, on 7 July 2010, by section 4 of the Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64).

18 When immediate modification orders disallowed

(1)

An immediate modification order is disallowed if, within 6 sitting days after the day on which it was made, the House of Representatives resolves to disallow it.

(2)

A resolution to disallow an immediate modification order is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).

(3)

The Clerk of the House of Representatives must lodge a copy of the resolution with the Parliamentary Counsel Office for the purpose of publication under the Legislation Act 2019.

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationIt is not required to be publishedLA19 s 73(2)
PresentationIt is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a)
DisallowanceIt is not disallowableLA19 s 115
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 18: substituted, on 7 July 2010, by section 4 of the Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64).

Section 18(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 18(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

19 Disallowance has effect of revocation

An immediate modification order that is disallowed under section 18 is revoked at the close of the day after the day on which the House of Representatives resolves to disallow it.

Section 19: amended, on 7 July 2010, by section 5 of the Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64).

20 Lapse of notice of motion to disallow immediate modification order
[Repealed]

Section 20: repealed, on 7 July 2010, by section 6 of the Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64).

21 Notice of resolution to disallow immediate modification order

(1)

If the House of Representatives resolves to disallow an immediate modification order, the Clerk of the House of Representatives must promptly give written notice of the disallowance to the Prime Minister.

(2)

The notice must show the date on which the resolution was agreed to and be accompanied by the text of the resolution.

(3)

The notice is conclusive evidence of the day on which the resolution was agreed to.

(4)

[Repealed]

Section 21(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 21(1): amended, on 7 July 2010, by section 7 of the Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64).

Section 21(4): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

22 Application of Part 5 of Legislation Act 2019

An immediate modification order cannot be disallowed under Part 5 of the Legislation Act 2019 if a notice of motion under this Act to disallow it—

(a)

has lapsed; or

(b)

has not been agreed to.

Section 22: replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Other matters

23 Areas within which modification orders operate

(1)

A modification order stating that it applies to the whole of New Zealand does so, even if the relevant epidemic notice applies to only stated parts of New Zealand.

(2)

A modification order not stating that it applies to the whole of New Zealand—

(a)

applies to the whole of New Zealand if the relevant epidemic notice applies to the whole of New Zealand; and

(b)

applies to only the parts of New Zealand to which the relevant epidemic notice applies if the notice applies to only stated parts of New Zealand.

24 Judges may modify rules of court during epidemic: Judge modifications in particular cases

(1)

While an epidemic notice is in force, a Judge to whom subsection (2) applies (whether permanently appointed or temporary) may in any particular case modify any rule of court, and to any extent, that he or she thinks necessary in the interests of justice to take account of the effects of the quarantinable disease stated in the notice.

(2)

This subsection applies to—

(a)

a Judge of the High Court (whether acting as a Judge of the High Court or a Judge of the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court):

(b)

an Associate Judge of the High Court:

(ba)
[Repealed]

(c)

a Judge of the Employment Court:

(d)

a District Court Judge (including a District Court Judge exercising jurisdiction of a Family Court Judge or Youth Court Judge):

(e)

a Judge of the Environment Court:

(f)

a Judge of the Māori Land Court.

(3)

A modification—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made by stating alternative means of complying with a requirement or restriction imposed by the rules.

(4)

Subsection (3) does not limit subsection (1).

Section 24 heading: amended, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(1) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 24(2)(ba): repealed, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 24(2)(c): replaced, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 24(2)(d): replaced, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 24(2)(e): inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

Section 24(2)(f): inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 9(2) of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

24A Judges may modify rules of court during epidemic: Head of Bench modifications in categories of proceedings

(1)

While an epidemic notice is in force, a Head of Bench (whether permanently appointed or temporary) may, for any category of proceedings in or before that Judge’s court, modify any rule of court, and to any extent, that he or she thinks necessary in the interests of justice to take account of the effects of the quarantinable disease stated in the notice.

(2)

A modification made under this section—

(a)

may be absolute or subject to conditions; and

(b)

may be made by stating alternative means of complying with a requirement or restriction imposed by the rules.

(3)

Subsection (2) does not limit subsection (1).

(4)

A modification made under this section—

(a)

is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements); and

(b)

if it relates to the High Court Rules, is not to be drafted by the PCO under section 67(d)(ii) of that Act.

(5)

In this section,—

District Court—

(a)

includes the division of that court known as the Family Court; and

(b)

includes the division of that court known as the Youth Court; but

(c)

excludes the division of that court known as the Disputes Tribunal

Head of Bench means,—

(a)

in relation to the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice:

(b)

in relation to the Court of Appeal, the President of the Court of Appeal:

(c)

in relation to the High Court, the Chief High Court Judge:

(d)

in relation to the Employment Court, the Chief Judge of the Employment Court:

(e)

in relation to the District Court, the Chief District Court Judge:

(f)

in relation to the Environment Court, the Chief Environment Court Judge:

(g)

in relation to the Māori Land Court, the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court.

See secondary legislation made under this Act (if published on this website)
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section
PublicationThe maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021LA19 s 74(1)(aa)
PresentationThe Minister must present it to the House of RepresentativesLA19 s 114
DisallowanceIt may be disallowed by the House of RepresentativesLA19 ss 115, 116
This note is not part of the Act.

Section 24A: inserted, on 3 November 2021, by Schedule 6 clause 10 of the COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42).

25 Certain common law doctrines not affected

(1)

No doctrine, defence, or rule of impossibility or necessity (for example, those embodied in the maxims lex non cogit ad impossibilia and nemo tenetur ad impossibile) is limited or affected by—

(a)

any thing in, or done under, this Act or an enactment stated in subsection (2); or

(b)

the fact that any thing is not in, or has not been done under, this Act or an enactment stated in subsection (2).

(2)

The enactments referred to in subsection (1) are the Health Amendment Act 2006, the Immigration Amendment Act (No 2) 2006, the Parole Amendment Act 2006, the Sentencing Amendment Act (No 2) 2006, the Social Security Amendment Act 2006, and the Summary Proceedings Amendment Act (No 2) 2006.

26 Effect of modification orders on requirements to tell people of their rights

While a person’s rights, available remedies or courses of action, or legal situation under an enactment are affected by the effect of a modification order, a requirement in any enactment (whether that enactment or another) to the effect that a person must be told of those rights, those remedies or courses of action, or that situation, must be read as a requirement that he or she must be told of those rights, those remedies or courses of action, or that situation, as modified by the effect of the order.

27 Provisions regarding COVID-19 set out in Schedule 2
[Repealed]

Section 27: repealed, on 31 October 2021, by section 27(2).

Schedule 1 Transitional, savings, and related provisions

s 4A

Schedule 1: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).

Part 1 Provision relating to COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020

1 Savings provision relating to clause 1 of Schedule 2

(1)

This clause applies to clause 1 of Schedule 2.

(2)

Any extension or shortening of time arising out of the application of clause 1 of Schedule 2 (as it read immediately after the commencement of this clause) and applied to proceedings continues to apply to the proceedings until they are concluded, whether or not clause 1 of Schedule 2 is repealed before the proceedings are concluded.

Schedule 1 clause 1: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).

Schedule 2 Provision regarding COVID-19

[Repealed]

s 27

Schedule 2: repealed, on 31 October 2021, by section 27(2).

1 Power of courts to extend or shorten time
[Repealed]

Schedule 2 clause 1: repealed, on 31 October 2021, by section 27(2).

Notes
1 General

This is a consolidation of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.

2 Legal status

A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.

Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.

3 Editorial and format changes

The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.

4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation

COVID-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 42): Schedule 6 Part 3

Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247): regulations 72, 73

Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3

COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13): section 3

Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 (2016 No 50): section 24

Parliamentary Privilege Act 2014 (2014 No 58): section 35

Epidemic Preparedness Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 64)

Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 (2006 No 85): section 27(2)