There are lots of different hazards in New Zealand. Find out about other hazards and who manages them.

 

Who manages other hazards?

Various agencies work together to manage emergencies and keep people safe. The agency leading the response will depend on the type of hazard or emergency.

Some emergencies need extra coordination across services. In this case, a state of local or national emergency can be declared.

Pandemic

A pandemic happens when a virus spreads quickly and affects a country or many countries around the world. When this happens, many of us can become very sick.

The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for planning for and responding to pandemics in New Zealand.

External link
Ministry of Health logo

Find information about pandemics on the Ministry of Health website.

External link
Te Whatu Ora logo

Find the latest information about COVID-19 on the Te Whatu Ora website.

Fire

If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire' immediately.

Fires can be sparked by human activity. For example camp fires escaping, fireworks, or rubbish fires, bonfires or rural burn-offs getting out of control. Car accidents, arcing or fallen power lines are also common causes of fires. As well as sparks from lawnmowers or cigarette butts.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responsible for fire prevention, response and suppression.

External link
Fire and Emergency New Zealand logo

Find information about fire safety on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

External link
Fire and Emergency New Zealand logo

In a wildfire emergency, you may suddenly have to leave home for an extended period with little warning. The best thing you can do is prepare well and have your evacuation plan ready.

Find out what to do when a wildfire threatens on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

Drought

If your area is experiencing a drought you can contact your local council for more information. A drought is caused by a lack of water in an area and can affect water usage and increase fire risk.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is responsible for classifying droughts.

External link
Ministry for Primary Industries logo

Find information and resources on droughts on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Criminal acts and terrorism

Always call 111 if there is a serious risk to life or property. New Zealand is a relatively safe place but we are not crime free. It is important you take precautions to look after yourself.

New Zealand Police assist in various emergency management and national security situations. They are responsible for law enforcement and crime prevention. They also help maintain public safety.

Call 105 to report things that have already happened and don't need urgent Police assistance.

External link
New Zealand Police logo

Find information on criminal acts and terrorism on the New Zealand Police website.

External link
Escape Hide Tell logo

Find information on how to recognise and report suspicious behaviour on the New Zealand Police website. Learn what to do in the unlikely event of getting caught up in a terrorist attack or similar incident.

Animal and plant pests and diseases

The Ministry for Primary Industries leads New Zealand’s biosecurity system. This includes responses to the outbreak of animal and plant pests and diseases.

The Ministry for Primary Industries also leads New Zealand’s food safety system. It protects the health and wellbeing of consumers here and overseas.

External link
Ministry for Primary Industries logo

Find out more about New Zealand’s biosecurity system on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

External link
Ministry for Primary Industries logo

Find out more about New Zealand’s food safety system on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Hazardous substances

A hazardous substance means any product or chemical that has properties that are explosive, flammable, oxidising, corrosive, or toxic to the environment.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is the lead agency for hazardous substance emergencies.

External link
Fire and Emergency New Zealand logo

Learn more about hazardous substances on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

External link
WorkSafe New Zealand logo

Find information and guidance on working with hazardous substances on the WorkSafe website.