New Zealanders can be confident in the very clear checks and balances on the use of these powers set out in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act. These powers can only be used if they meet both the tests within the power and the three overarching legal tests. The person exercising the powers must be satisfied that these are in the public interest, that they are necessary or desirable to ensure a timely and effective recovery, and that their use would be proportionate in the circumstances. 