Legislation to support cyclone recovery has now passed its third reading in Parliament

The Bill gives communities and local government the flexibility to respond quickly to issues as they arise.

Emergency Mangement Minister Kieran McAnulty says this flexibility was important after the Kaikoura earthquake - and allows local efforts to be managed in a way that suits each community.

It also gives government power to amend legislation usually reserved for Parliament -- so there are safeguards in place, like requiring proposed orders be reviewed by an independent panel.