Source: National Emergency Management Agency
New Zealanders’ emergency preparedness is at a five-year high, but more than half have done nothing to prepare for an emergency in the past year, according to a new survey from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
NEMA’s Director General Dave Gawn says the 2026 results from its annual Emergency Preparedness Survey are frustrating, because many people are choosing to leave everything to chance.
“Everyone needs an emergency plan. We’ve seen too many disasters in recent years to count on getting lucky.
“In the immediate aftermath of a big event, it’s chaos. Transport and communication links could be down, families could find themselves separated with no way to get in touch, older or disabled people could be at home alone – and of course, your pets will need you too.
“Emergency services simply won’t have the time or resource to help you, because they’ll be flat out helping those in immediate danger. The reality is, for the first hours or even days, you and your family could be on your own.
“There is a widespread belief that Civil Defence is a standing army who will materialise in an emergency. That standing army is you and your community.”
“When disaster strikes, what you need more than anything is a plan – and those are completely free of charge. Your emergency supplies will be useful later.”
Nearly all the survey respondents (89%) said they believe it’s important for their household to be self-sufficient for several days in the event of a large emergency. However, less than half have taken steps in the past year to get prepared, and only 40 per cent have regular discussions about emergency preparation with other people in their household.
“The survey found that once again, cost is cited as the biggest barrier preventing people from preparing, but sitting down and making a plan is completely free.
“Put simply: plan now, shop later.”
Dave Gawn says being prepared for emergencies is everyone’s business, because when a big emergency happens, everyone needs to do their part.
“We live in a beautiful country with amazing landscapes, and some very powerful hazards,” Dave Gawn says.
“Living alongside these hazards means being ready for what could happen – and that applies to everyone.
“Whānau and communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to make sure that everyone’s ready to do their best on Aotearoa New Zealand’s worst day.”
Read the Survey report here: National Emergency Management Agency Emergency Preparedness Survey 2026