# Light Sticks NZ Review 2026: Are They Worth It for NZ Emergency Kits? **By Phil East** · 2026-04-03 When the ground shakes from an earthquake or a cyclone cuts the power, a reliable light source is not just a comfort—it's critical. For Kiwis, the final verdict is clear: a good set of **light sticks NZ** homes should have are a non-negotiable part of any emergency kit. They provide instant, dependable light without needing batteries or posing a fire risk, making them one of the best tools for getting through a crisis. ## Core Features: The 5 Key Benefits of Light Sticks for New Zealanders ![A caring father gives a glowing light stick to his son in a cozy bedroom during a rainy night.](https://cdnimg.co/7d85ab33-e9a3-4b26-bd5e-c285b7d50700/09a6d9fe-87eb-406a-963f-43067b437af8/light-sticks-nz-light-stick.jpg) After events like Cyclone Gabrielle or the Kaikōura earthquake, the last thing you want is to be fumbling for a torch with dead batteries. This is where light sticks show their true value. - **Instant, Failsafe Activation:** _Benefit:_ No fumbling in the dark. A simple "snap and shake" provides immediate light, which is crucial during a sudden event like an earthquake when you need to navigate debris safely. - **Zero Fire Risk:** _Benefit:_ Ultimate safety. Unlike candles or matches, light sticks produce no heat or sparks, making them completely safe to use in homes where gas lines might be compromised, a key lesson from the Christchurch earthquakes. - **Waterproof and Durable:** _Benefit:_ Reliability in any weather. During the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods, many electronic devices failed. A light stick works perfectly in torrential rain and can even be used underwater. - **Long Shelf Life:** _Benefit:_ Ready when you need them. Chemical light sticks can be stored for 4-5 years, making them a perfect "set and forget" item for your emergency kit, aligned with the getready.govt.nz advice to have supplies on hand. - **Lightweight and Portable:** _Benefit:_ Easy to carry for evacuation. They add virtually no weight to a grab-and-go bag, ensuring every family member, including children, can have their own light source. ### Lessons from New Zealand's Past Our unique geography makes us vulnerable. The **2016** Kaikōura earthquake, a massive **7.8** magnitude tremor, left many communities without power for days, driving home the critical need for non-electric light sources. > **The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises every household to have a plan and a kit to be self-sufficient for at least three days. A key part of that kit, as stressed by Get Ready Civil Defence, is a dependable light source that doesn't rely on the grid.** ### Why They Belong in Every Grab-and-Go Bag The demand for reliable emergency lighting has surged in New Zealand, driven by our first-hand experience with natural disasters. After major events, Civil Defence NZ guidelines consistently recommend that **72-hour** "grab bags" are stocked with light sticks for immediate, safe illumination. You can learn more about what real Kiwis recommend for their kits from our detailed guide on [**building your essential emergency kit**](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/emergency-kit-nz-what-real-kiwis-recommend-after-earthquakes-floods "Building a Grab and Go Bag New Zealand ")[](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/emergency-kit-nz-what-real-kiwis-recommend-after-earthquakes-floods). You can also explore further research on the growing importance of emergency lighting from [this global market report](https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/emergency-lighting-global-market-report "Emergency Lighting Report World Wide"). ## Pros and Cons of Light Sticks Pros Cons ✅ Failsafe and always works ❌ Chemical sticks are single-use ✅ Completely waterproof and weatherproof ❌ Lower ambient light than a powerful torch ✅ No batteries required ❌ Chemical sticks have an expiry date ✅ Safe for use around children (no heat) ❌ Reusable types need a light source to charge ✅ Inexpensive and lightweight ❌ Not designed for long-distance illumination ## Who are Light Sticks FOR? (And Who Are They NOT For?) **Light sticks are perfect for:** - **Every New Zealand Household:** As a backup light source for power cuts caused by storms, floods, or earthquakes. - **Families with Children:** Providing a safe, non-scary night light during a power outage without the risk of fire from candles. - **Outdoor Enthusiasts & Trampers:** A lightweight, waterproof emergency light for a pack that won't drain a headlamp battery. - **Rural and Farming Communities:** For reliable lighting during extended power disruptions common in isolated areas after severe weather events. **Light sticks may NOT be the primary choice for:** - **Mechanics or Tradies:** Who need powerful, focused task lighting for detailed work. A high-lumen headlamp or work light is better. - **Search and Rescue Teams:** Who require long-range, high-intensity beams for searching large areas, though they often use light sticks as markers. That being said they are perfect for a Search and Rescue Kit for night time marking and sign work. ## How Do They Compare to a Good LED Torch? While a high-quality LED torch is an essential part of any kit, light sticks serve a different, crucial role. - **LED Torch:** Offers powerful, focused light. It's brilliant for tasks and navigation but relies entirely on battery life. Batteries can corrode, drain, or be forgotten, rendering the torch useless just when you need it. - **Light Sticks:** Provide a less intense but utterly reliable area light. Their key advantage is their failsafe nature—they _always_ work. They are the perfect first-response light to find your torch and batteries in the dark. **The Verdict: They are not competitors; they are partners. As recommended by the New Zealand Red Cross, a resilient emergency plan includes multiple lighting options. Use a light stick for immediate, safe area light, and a torch for directed tasks.** ## Choosing The Right Light Stick For Your Grab Bag When you're packing your emergency kit here in New Zealand, choosing the right lighting isn't as simple as just grabbing the first thing you see on the shelf. Not all light sticks are the same, and the best one for your **[grab and go bag for NZ conditions](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/grab-and-go-bag-nz-2)** really depends on what you might be up against. Think about it this way. A bright, single-use chemical light stick is your go-to for short, intense situations. Cast your mind back to the **2011 Christchurch earthquake**—suddenly, people had to navigate debris-filled homes in total darkness. In a moment like that, you need maximum brightness, instantly. But what about longer-term problems? For a sustained emergency, a reusable light stick like a UV Paqlite is a game-changer. Imagine being at a Civil Defence welfare centre for a few days after another **Cyclone Gabrielle**, or dealing with a multi-day power cut at your rural property. A reusable stick gives you a steady night light for the kids, and you don't have to carry a dozen disposable ones to get through it. ### Single-Use vs. Reusable: A Head-to-Head Comparison To help you decide what’s right for your family’s emergency plan, it helps to put the two main types side-by-side. Each has clear pros and cons that directly relate to real-world situations we see here in Aotearoa. This decision tree helps you visualise whether you need that immediate, high-intensity light or a more sustainable, long-term glow. ![A flowchart titled 'Choose Light Type' detailing options for emergency lights based on their duration.](https://cdnimg.co/7d85ab33-e9a3-4b26-bd5e-c285b7d50700/c16276c2-588a-4619-955e-30c281d270dc/light-sticks-nz-light-selection.jpg) As you can see, the choice really hinges on whether you're planning for an immediate crisis or a long, drawn-out disruption. Let's break down the key differences. ### Chemical Light Sticks Versus Reusable Glow Gear This table cuts straight to the chase, comparing the key features of single-use chemical light sticks against reusable glow gear like the [**UV Paqlite reusable glow gear**](https://www.next72hours.com/collections/uv-paqlite-reusable-glow-sticks-and-gear "UV Paqlite Permanent Glow Sticks for New Zealand ") to help you decide what to pack. Feature Chemical Light Sticks Reusable Glow Gear (e.g., UV Paqlite) **Brightness** **Very high** for the first 30-60 minutes, then it fades. Great for signalling or finding your way in a hurry. **Lower, ambient glow** that stays consistent for hours. Perfect for lighting up a small area or providing comfort. **Duration** Limited to **8-12 hours** on average, with brightness dropping off over that time. It's a one-and-done solution. **Glows for 10+ hours** on a full charge and can be recharged over and over. All it needs is a light source. **Shelf Life** Excellent, usually **4-5 years** if you keep it in the original foil wrapper. You do need to keep an eye on expiry dates. **Indefinite**. The strontium aluminate crystals don't degrade, meaning it's ready for a lifetime. **Cost** Cheap to buy one at a time, but the cost adds up because you have to constantly replace them. Higher up-front cost, but it's a one-off purchase. It's far more economical in the long run. **Reusability** **None**. Once that chemical reaction is done, the stick is finished and needs to be thrown out. **Infinitely reusable**. You can recharge it thousands of times from any light source, whether it's the sun or your torch. **Best For** Immediate evacuation, signalling for help, quick navigation, and marking hazards in the first hour of an emergency. Prolonged power cuts, campsite lighting, night lights for kids, and marking locations over several nights. [![UV TOOBLITE 10CM | New Zealand](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0671/7603/8633/files/UV_PAQLITE_NEW_ZEALAND_TOOBLITE.png?v=1736763955)](https://www.next72hours.com/collections/uv-paqlite-reusable-glow-sticks-and-gear "UV Paqlite Reusable GLow Sitcks New Zealand ")[](https://www.next72hours.com/collections/uv-paqlite-reusable-glow-sticks-and-gear "UV Paqlite Reusable GLow Sitcks") ## Using Light Sticks in Real New Zealand Emergencies ![Two people in raincoats walk a dog in the rain with reflective lights on their backpacks.](https://cdnimg.co/7d85ab33-e9a3-4b26-bd5e-c285b7d50700/0687653c-ba54-4fb2-ac2c-56e437db03c3/light-sticks-nz-reflective-walk.jpg) It’s one thing to talk about gear in theory, but how do light sticks actually hold up when the ground is shaking or the floodwaters are rising? For Kiwis, preparedness isn't an abstract idea; it's a hard-won lesson shaped by real events. ### After The Shaking Stops: Earthquakes The violent jolts of the **2010-2011 Christchurch earthquakes** and the **2016 Kaikōura quake** taught us unforgettable lessons about being plunged into total darkness without warning. In an instant, your own home becomes an obstacle course. A light stick is your safest source of light. It has no flame, meaning **zero fire risk**—a critical feature when gas lines might be compromised. - **Safe Evacuation:** As you clear each room, drop a light stick to create a glowing pathway for your family to follow. - **Checking on Whānau:** Provides enough gentle light to check on kids or elderly family members without a disorienting glare. - **Marking Safe Zones:** Once outside, use light sticks to mark your household's meeting point. You can find more advice in our guide on [what to do in an earthquake in NZ](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/what-to-do-in-an-earthquake-nz). ### Weathering The Storm: Floods and Cyclones The shocking force of **Cyclone Gabrielle** and the unprecedented **Auckland Anniversary floods in 2023** showed us how fast severe weather can force people from their homes. Light sticks are **completely waterproof**. - **Personal Locators:** Attach a light stick to your child’s raincoat or your grab bag. It makes everyone in your group instantly visible to each other and to rescuers. - **Signalling for Help:** Waving a brightly coloured light stick from a second-storey window is a simple, universally understood signal for help. - **Marking Hazards:** Drop light sticks to mark the edge of rising floodwaters or submerged obstacles. ### When The Lights Go Out For Days Nearly every major disaster results in long power cuts. After the **2011 Christchurch quake**, **80% of the city** was blacked out. Even without a major quake, our grid faces disruptions from storms. Torch batteries will eventually run flat, but light sticks provide a dependable lighting solution. > **"In an extended power cut, the psychological comfort of having a reliable, continuous light source can't be overstated." – NEMA, Get Ready guidance.** ## Final Recommendation & CTA Light sticks are one of the simplest, cheapest, and most effective tools you can have. Their rock-solid reliability and safety make them a game-changer. They belong in every single Kiwi emergency kit, full stop. In a country with our unique geological and weather risks, sorting out your lighting plan is essential. The time to get this sorted is right now—not when the warnings are blaring or the ground is already shaking. For a robust setup, as recommended in our guide on [**how to build your essential emergency kit for New Zealand homes**](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/be-prepared-building-your-essential-emergency-kit-for-new-zealand-homes "How to build an Emergency Kit New Zelaland "), a smart mix of chemical and reusable light sticks is best. This ensures you're covered for both the initial shock and a long-haul outage. Being truly prepared means having the right gear on hand well before you need it. A small investment in dependable lighting is one of the most practical steps you can take toward resilience. * * * At **Next72Hours**, we source and supply proven, field-tested gear to help Kiwis prepare with confidence. Check out our full range of emergency lighting, from top-quality chemical light sticks to endlessly reusable UV Paqlite gear, and take that next crucial step in securing your family's safety. [**Explore Emergency Lighting Solutions at Next72Hours**](https://www.next72hours.com) --- > Source: [Next72Hours](https://www.next72hours.com/blogs/news/light-sticks-nz)