Pursuant to section 66 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, I, Peeni Ereatara Gladwyn Henare, declare that a state of national emergency exists over the whole of New Zealand, owing to the impact of COVID-19.

The state of national emergency comes into force immediately on the making of this declaration, and expires seven days after the time and date on which it comes into force (unless extended or terminated at an earlier time).

Declared by: P. E. G. Henare.

Designation: Minister of Civil Defence.

Time and Date of Declaration: 12.21pm on 25 March 2020.