Emergency preparation and support

New Zealand is at risk from a range of natural hazards. This page includes information on what support is available for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and whānau before, during, and after an emergency event.

Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People is a support agency under the Aotearoa New Zealand Civil Defence legislation. This means we support lead agencies that have the responsibility for leading an emergency response and recovery.

Accessible information for emergencies

Get Ready has accessible formats including Large Print, audio, and NZSL providing information on the following:

During an emergency

If your life, health, or property are in danger, please call 111 immediately. You can text if you are registered for the 111 text service. Learn about registering for the 111 text service external URL .

For up-to-date information on current emergencies across New Zealand, visit the Civil Defence Website external URL and Civil Defence Facebook page. external URL You can also find local information through your local Civil Defence Group.

Follow the MetService website external URL or MetService Facebook page external URL for the latest weather updates.

Power outages

If you depend on power for medical equipment, life support, or medicine, there are several steps you should take in a power outage.

Contact your power company and let them know.
Contact your local civil defence centre external URL for support.
If you are in danger, please contact emergency services immediately and call 111. If registered, you can do this via the 111 external URL text line.

As power begins to come back on, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from potential fire hazards. Switch off all light switches, power outlets and cooking appliances in a power cut and check for any damage before you switch things back on.

Wellbeing and mental health

After natural disasters and times of uncertainty it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, distressed, and uneasy. Support is available, so please reach out if you or your whānau need it.

A range of services are available to help support your mental health and wellbeing.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Call the Depression Helpline at 0800 111 757 or text 4204 external URL to talk to a trained counsellor.
Contact YouthLine by calling 0800 376 633, text234 external URL , or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
The Lowdown is a text support service at 5626 external URL for young people to help recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information.

Key insurance information

After an emergency or natural disaster:

do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property
contact your insurance company as soon as possible
if you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company
take photos of any damage to speed up assessments of your claims.

Further support is available through these organisations: