# Disaster Preparedness in New Zealand | Are You Ready for the Next72Hours? **By Philip East** · 2026-02-14 # ## Disaster Preparedness in New Zealand: Are You Ready for the [Next72Hours](www.next72hours.com "Main Website Next72Hours Disaster Preparedness")? In New Zealand, major emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and severe storms can strike without warning. When they do, power, water, roads, communications, and essential services may be disrupted for days. According to **[National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)](https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ "National Emergency Management Agency Main Website")**, every household should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. ### **Disaster preparedness in NZ isn’t optional — it’s e****ssential.** Here’s how to prepare your household, workplace, and community for a natural disaster in New Zealand. * * * ## Household Emergency Preparedness in New Zealand Every home should have a [**Civil Defence emergency kit**](https://www.next72hours.com/collections/premade-kits "Civil Defence Emergency Survival Kits") and a clear family emergency plan. Here’s what you need: ### 💧 Water Storage (Minimum 9 Litres Per Person) Store at least **3 litres per person per day for three days** — that’s 9 litres per person. This covers drinking, basic cooking, and minimal hygiene Consider adding a **[water filter](https://www.next72hours.com/products/puribag-pro-membrane-filter-kit "Water Filter \ Water Purification New Zealand - Disaster Preparedness")** to your kit, or otherwise **[water purification tablets](https://www.next72hours.com/products/ef-chlor-8-5mg-water-purification-tablets-pack-of-100-new-zealand "Water Purification Tablets New Zealand - Disaster Preparedness")**. If you want to know more about water purification and how to store water, check out this link to the **[Civil Defence New Zealand Website on water storage](https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/household/supplies/storing-water "Civil Defence New Zealand Storing Water in an Emergency").**  * * * ### Emergency Food Supplies Keep at least three days’ worth of **[non-perishable food](https://www.next72hours.com/pages/emergency-food-rations-nz-survival-food "Emergency Food Supplies New Zealand | Disaster Food | MREs")** for every person, including their children (and pets). Choose food that: - Requires no refrigeration - Can be eaten cold or heated on a gas cooker or BBQ - Is easy to prepare during a power outage * * * ### Backup Power and Lighting Power outages are common after earthquakes and storms in New Zealand. Have: - Power banks - **[Torches and headlamps](https://www.next72hours.com/products/emergency-headlamp-survival-kit-nz "Wuben H3 Headlamp | Emergency Lighting | Disaster Preparedness | Civil Defence Kit")** - Spare batteries - A generator or solar charging system (if possible) * * * ### Off-Grid Cooking A portable gas cooker with spare gas bottles allows you to boil water and cook safely when the grid is down. * * * ### Warmth and Shelter New Zealand’s weather can turn quickly — especially in winter or after flooding. Prepare: - Warm clothing - Sleeping bags and blankets - Waterproof jackets - Tarps or emergency shelter * * * ### First Aid and Medications Have a fully stocked first aid kit and at least three days’ worth of essential medications. Consider trauma supplies if you live in high earthquake risk zones such as Wellington or Christchurch. Also don't forget to prepare any specialist medications you might need, in the event of a major disaster it is likely that Chemists will be closed for some time, or access will be difficult, and Hospitals will become overloaded. * * * ### Communications Plan When mobile networks fail, you’ll need alternatives: - Battery-powered or hand-crank radio - Phone chargers and power banks - A clear family emergency contact plan Follow official updates from **[Get Ready](https://getready.govt.nz/ "Get Ready New Zealand Civil Defence Agency NEMA")** for trusted guidance. * * * ### Have a Plan Know: - Where to meet if separated - Evacuation routes - How to turn off power, gas, and water - How to contact family outside your region Prepared households recover faster and experience less panic in a crisis. * * * # Workplace Emergency Preparedness in New Zealand Businesses also have a responsibility to protect staff and customers during a civil defence emergency. ###  Workplace Emergency Kits Keep enough: - Food and water for staff - Emergency supplies to stay overnight if required - Blankets and basic hygiene supplies * * * ###  First Aid Readiness Stock multiple first aid kits and ensure staff know their locations. Consider advanced kits for higher-risk workplaces. * * * ### Backup Communications If mobile networks go down: - Use portable radios - Satellite communication devices - Pre-agreed emergency communication procedures - HF Amateur Radio is also a great idea, if you are interested in this, check out the **[NZART](https://nzart.org.nz/ "New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters")** and look into getting your Licence.  - If you have an Amateur Radio Licence you can check out some of the amazing NZ suppliers of Amateur Radio Equipment like **[The Ham Shack](https://thehamshack.co.nz/ "Amateur Radio New Zealand The Ham Shack Radio Equipment")**, based in North Canterbury. * * * ### Evacuation and Safety Plans Have clearly marked evacuation routes and regular drills. Ensure compliance with NZ health and safety regulations. * * * ### Backup Power Systems Generators or solar systems can keep essential systems running — especially for medical facilities, logistics hubs, or essential services. * * * ###  PPE and Safety Equipment Make accessible: - Helmets - Gloves - Dust masks - Hi-vis gear - Fire extinguishers Disaster preparedness planning reduces risk to life and property. * * * ## Community Disaster Preparedness in New Zealand In many disasters, neighbours become first responders. A resilient community can stabilise itself before external help arrives. * * * ##  Community Emergency Hubs Support or establish a local hub or groups stocked with: - Water - Emergency food - Generators - Radios - First aid equipment There are also a lot of amazing groups you can consider joining, such as Community Emergency Response Teams, Civil Defence Teams, RATS / NZRT (Rescue and Technical Support Team) (New Zealand Rescue Teams). * * * ##  Trained Volunteers Identify people with: - First aid training - Search and rescue experience - Medical skills - Leadership capability Coordinate with local Civil Defence groups. * * * ### Key Takeaway: The Next72Hours Matter After a major emergency in New Zealand, you will likely wake up to: - No power - No water - Blocked roads - Closed shops - Limited communication You will need to rely on what you already have — and the people around you. Now is a the best time after yesterday to start preparing for disasters, and getting your supplies and training in order. It is not a question of if, but when, the next disaster will strike, and what you do now to prepare will make all the difference.  Disaster preparedness in NZ isn’t about fear. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and protecting what matters most. Start preparing today with Next72Hours. --- > Source: [Next72Hours](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/disaster-preparedness-in-new-zealand-are-you-ready-for-the-next72hours)