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

 

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.  

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

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. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is the lead agency for hazardous substance emergencies and is responsible for fire prevention, response and suppression. 

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. 

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

The Ministry of Primary Industries is responsible for classifying droughts and leading New Zealand’s biosecurity and food safety systems. This includes responses to the outbreak of animal and plant pests and diseases. 

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. 

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. 

New Zealand is a relatively safe place but we are not crime free. It is important you take precautions to look after yourself. 

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Ministry for Primary Industries logo

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

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Ministry of Health logo

Find information about pandemics on the Ministry of Health website.

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand logo

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

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New Zealand Police logo

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

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Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora logo

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

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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.

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Ministry for Primary Industries logo

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

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Ministry for Primary Industries logo

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

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand logo

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

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WorkSafe New Zealand logo

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

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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.

Types of hazards | Ngā momo matepā

In New Zealand we have a lot of natural hazards. Find out what to do before, during and after each type of emergency.