The effects of a public health emergency could be felt far and wide.
Whether as a direct result of an infectious disease or a secondary consequence from another hazard (such as water supply failure), public health impacts can be significant.
The Taranaki District Health Board is the primary agency for the co-ordination of public health response in Taranaki. Arrangements are in place for co-operation between the TDHB and the Taranaki CDEM Group should this be required for a large scale public health threat.
During a local emergency the Medical Officer of Health has special powers to deal with public health threats should this be necessary.