Other hazards

The Ministry for Primary Industries leads New Zealand's biosecurity system, including responses to the outbreak of animal and plant pests and diseases.

Learn more about New Zealand’s biosecurity system.

What to do if you think you've found a pest or disease that is new to New Zealand

Early detection of harmful new pests and diseases is a vital part of our biosecurity system. Every New Zealander has a responsibility to be vigilant for and report suspected new organisms.

If you think you’ve found a pest or disease that is new to New Zealand:

• Call the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Pest and Disease Hotline, as soon as you find something, on 0800 80 99 66.
• Photograph it and catch it if it's safe to do so. Photos will help the MPI specialist interpret your finding.

Be extra vigilant when coming home from overseas, or opening international mail, because these are common pathways for unwanted pests to enter New Zealand.

Learn more about reporting a pest or disease that’s new to New Zealand.

Every year, there are periods of dry weather that can have a disruptive impact on farms and local farming communities.

The Ministry for Primary Industries works with local stakeholders to determine how a drought should be classified, based on its impact on the rural sector.

Help is available to farmers, growers, and their families during drought and in the recovery period. Learn more about dealing with drought conditions.

Councils monitor and manage water supplies. When there is high demand on water or supplies are under pressure, councils may place restrictions on some uses, such as watering gardens.

If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire' immediately.

If you are not sure whether the smoke or fire is a real emergency or not, call 111 and ask.

Learn more about fire safety and what to do in the event of a fire.

See the wildfire section for more information on wildfire.

The Ministry for Primary Industries leads New Zealand's food safety system, protecting the health and wellbeing of consumers here and overseas.

Learn more about New Zealand’s food safety system.

Food safety during emergencies

Events that cause power cuts or disrupt your access to clean water could make your food unsafe to eat. It's crucial to follow food safety advice during these events to avoid getting sick.

Learn more about food safety during emergencies.

What is geothermal activity?

Geothermal activity occurs when heat is transferred from within the Earth to its surface. New Zealand is known worldwide for its geothermal features. Almost all of New Zealand’s geothermal systems are hydrothermal systems, which means groundwater is heated by hot rocks or magma and rises to the surface.

Geothermal activity includes:

• Hot pools.
• Boiling mud pools.
• Geysers: Hot springs with intermittent water eruptions, accompanied by steam.
• Fumaroles: Holes which emit superheated gas and steam under pressure.

Geothermal hazards

Geothermal activity forms permanent features in some parts of New Zealand. The primary geothermal hazard is burns from the hot water or steam. Changes in hot spring activity can occur with volcanic activity. See the Volcanic Activity section for more information on volcanic hazards.

Geothermal hazards include:

• Boiling hot water: In many cases, geothermally-heated water can be hot enough to scald the skin, resulting in serious burns and even death.
• Boiling mud: Mud pools are unpredictable, and larger-than-normal eruptions can suddenly occur, sending boiling mud further than expected. Boiling hot mud can burn skin and clothing.
• Geothermal chemicals in water: Some geothermal water may be very acidic or very alkaline, and may irritate the skin, corrode clothing or oxidise jewellery.
• Geothermal gases and aerosols: Geothermal gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂). More information on volcanic and geothermal gases is available on the International Volcanic Health Hazards Network website.
  • Near vents and volcanoes, geothermal gases can be irritating to eyes, skin and breathing and can be lethal at high concentrations. See the Volcanic Activity section for more information on volcanic hazards.
  • Some geothermal gases are heavier than air and can build up in confined spaces such as hollows, caves, and sometimes rooms, displacing oxygen. In high concentrations, geothermal gases can be lethal to people and animals.
  • Acid rain can occur when rainfall falls through a plume of volcanic gases and aerosols. Close to the vent, rainfall can be as acidic as freshly squeezed lemon juice. Acid rain can irritate the skin and eyes or cause a stinging sensation. Acid rain can also damage plants and accelerate the rusting of metal surfaces on buildings, vehicles, farm equipment, and infrastructure components. It may also impact the quality of surface waters and may kill fish in open ponds.
• Geothermally-altered ground: Geothermal activity can also form underground caves (tomo) beneath a thin, hard crust. The crust can suddenly give way under the weight of a person, sometimes into a scalding geothermal stream.
• Geyser eruptions: Geysers can erupt boiling-hot water infrequently and unexpectedly, and can scald the skin, resulting in serious burns and even death. Geothermal water also contains silica, which sticks to glass surfaces such as spectacles (glasses), camera lenses, watch faces, and car windscreens, causing permanent damage.
• Hydrothermal eruptions: When superheated ground water is trapped below the surface, it can rapidly convert from liquid to steam, expand, and erupt through the confining rock. Hydrothermal eruptions are caused by increasing the amount of steam present at shallow depth Hydrothermal eruptions almost always occur without warning and can be violent enough to be life-threatening. They can cause damage up to a few hundred metres away and can deposit boiling mud and ballistics (rock fragments ejected along fast, cannonball-like trajectories).
• Land deformation: Changes to the ground surface, such as swelling, sinking, or cracking. Land deformation can directly damage homes, cause landslides and change the risk of flooding as the ground moves. See the Landslide section for more information on landslide hazards. See the Flood section for more information on flood hazards.
• Steam: Although no steam can be seen, steam from fumaroles can be hot enough to burn. Steam from fumaroles and hot pools can also drift across roads, reducing visibility.

Health hazards associated with geothermal features include:

• Amoebic meningitis: Hot pools can contain microscopic organisms (amoebas) that cause the disease amoebic meningitis. Remember to keep your head above water in hot pools. Further information on amoebic meningitis is available on the HealthEd website.
• Mercury in water: Geothermal waters contain chemicals including mercury, making geothermal water undrinkable. These chemicals also build up in fish, making fish found in geothermal streams and lakes unsafe to eat.

Reduction: Reduce the impacts of geothermal hazards

Find out from your local or regional council if you are in a geothermally active part of New Zealand, and what the hazards are.

In areas with high geothermal activity, avoid constructing confined spaces, such as basements and hollows. Some geothermal gases are heavier than air and displace oxygen, so can be lethal to people and animals if they build up to high concentrations in confined spaces. Good ventilation is important to reduce potential indoor concentrations of gases.

Indoor pollution can be reduced with an air cleaner/purifier. To reduce particles, these require a particle filter (‘HEPA’ filter). Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also help improve indoor air quality.

Stay away from surface activity (hot springs, fumaroles, hot ground). Hot water and steam can cause burns.

Readiness: Get prepared to respond to geothermal hazards

Make and practise your emergency plan, make a grab bag and have emergency supplies.

Find out from your local or regional council if you are in a geothermally active part of New Zealand, and what the hazards are.

Protecting your health

Be aware that geothermal air pollution can increase the risk of experiencing breathing difficulties. If you or your dependents have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis, you may wish to speak with your doctor if you anticipate increased personal exposure to geothermal emissions.

• If you have asthma, ensure you have a current asthma action plan. This written set of instructions, prepared by your doctor, is essential to help you recognise if your asthma is worsening and what to do about it.
• If you have respiratory or heart conditions, keep your relief medication handy and use as prescribed. If you have any concerns, call your doctor.

Response: What to do during increased geothermal activity

If there is increased geothermal activity, follow official advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, the Department of Conservation (for geothermal areas on Public Conservation Land), local authorities, and emergency services.

Protecting your health

Geothermal air pollution can increase the risk of experiencing respiratory difficulties.

• People experiencing asthma symptoms, even for the first time, should not ignore them. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.
• If you have respiratory or heart conditions, continue to keep your relief medication handy and use as prescribed. If you have any concerns, call your doctor.
• Monitor children for changes in their health. Adults should ensure that children’s exposure is reduced by limiting exertion, staying indoors, or leaving the area.
• An asthma flare-up can vary in severity and can be life threatening. If there are signs that someone’s condition is deteriorating, call 111.

Reduce your exposure:

• In an active geothermal environment, move upwind and away from the smell of the gases, if you find yourself in uncomfortable breathing conditions.
• Limit strenuous activities during poor air quality. Outdoor mahi/work, exercise and exertion increase your chances of being affected by the gases and aerosols. Try to breathe through the nose and reduce mouth breathing while outdoors.
• Stay indoors when there is poor air quality. Close all doors and windows, and seal up large gaps to the outdoors (for example, using tape or plastic sheeting). Be aware of becoming overheated as a result of sealing your house. Even if your house is not well sealed, it may still offer some protection. If available, consider visiting indoor areas that are better sealed and/or have air conditioning (for example, commercial buildings or businesses).
• Try to eliminate sources of indoor pollutants (for example, smoking, candles/incense, un-vented cooking and heating stoves, or other appliances which produce smoke or carbon monoxide).
• Reduce indoor pollution with an air cleaner/purifier. If possible, close doors and windows and use an air cleaner/purifier to help reduce the levels of gases and aerosols that have entered. To reduce particles, you need a particle filter (‘HEPA’ filter) and to reduce geothermal gas exposure, you need an acid gas filter for the air cleaner. Air conditioners (outside vent closed and set to recirculate) and dehumidifiers can also help improve indoor air quality.
• Leave the area if appropriate. If indoor areas have poor air quality, consider temporarily relocating to a less impacted area.
• Restrict geothermal emissions from entering your vehicle. Temporarily close your windows and vents and turn your fan and air conditioner off when driving in heavily affected areas (although be aware of the risk of overheating, particularly for pets and young children).

Recovery: What to do after geothermal activity

Continue to follow official advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, the Department of Conservation, local authorities and emergency services.

When pollution levels drop, refresh the air in your whare/home or building by opening doors and windows.

If you have any health concerns, contact your doctor.

Find out what to do if your property is damaged.

Check out the Insurance section for more information on how your property might be covered following a hazard event.

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

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is the lead agency for hazardous substance emergencies.

Learn more about hazardous substances.

Information and guidance on working with hazardous substances is available on the WorkSafe website and at www.hazardoussubstances.govt.nz.

What to do if you are affected by hazardous substances

If someone is exposed to a hazardous substance seek medical advice immediately by dialling 111.

• More information about what to do if you are affected by hazardous substances is available on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.

What to do if you spill a hazardous substance

Call 111 immediately and ask for Fire if there is a hazardous substance spill.

• More information about how to respond to a hazardous substance spill is available in the emergency management flipchart on the hazardoussubstances.govt.nz website.

Extreme heat and heatwaves can have negative impacts on health for everyone, but even small increases above average temperatures can harm those most vulnerable to heat.

Newborn babies, infants, elderly, and those with serious long-term medical and mental health conditions are at greater risk when exposed to heat events.

It is important that everyone is aware of the health risks of heat and acts to protect their own health and the health of others during all periods of warmer weather.

Stay up to date with the latest temperature observations, forecasts and alerts from MetService Te Ratonga Tirorangi, New Zealand’s National Weather Service.

What is a heatwave?

There is no universal definition of a heatwave. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change defines a heatwave as a period of abnormally hot weather, often defined relative to the usual weather in a specific location, lasting for at least two days.

How do we monitor and alert for heat in New Zealand?

MetService uses a regional heatwave prediction scheme that was designed to be suitable for our mobile, changeable weather patterns, and for the micro-climates experienced in the differing regions of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The MetService scheme targets the peak annual heat, to provide the public with alerts on days where heat could cause impacts to public health, infrastructure and animal health, as some examples.

As there are significant differences in what “extreme temperature” looks like from one end of our country to another, MetService varies the heat alerting trigger thresholds for each region. For example, the daily maximum temperature would need to exceed 32 degrees Celsius in Gisborne to trigger a heat alert there – compared to 27 degrees Celsius in Greymouth. Both events occur, historically, about once per year on average.

In addition, because extended runs of extreme heat are relatively rare in New Zealand, heat alerts are triggered here for much shorter durations, compared to what you might see in many other countries, globally.

MetService trigger a heat alert for a one-day spike in heat, with these alerts set at a very high level (i.e. would trigger at or above the historical ‘once a year’ event). These alerts are designed to pick up near-record or record hot weather that increases risk to public health and wellbeing.

MetService also trigger a heat alert for two or more days of unusual humidity (e.g. a run of hot and muggy days AND nights lasting at least 2 days, with the requirement that maximum temperatures are 27 degrees Celsius or more). The humidity scheme has also been set to trigger about once per year (on average).

Reduction

To make your whare/home safer during periods of extreme heat, you should:

• make sure your whare/home is properly insulated, and put weather stripping around doors and windows, to keep cool air inside. This can also help to reduce your home’s power demands for air conditioning if you have it.
• check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Insulation around ducts prevents cool air from leaking and keeps it directed through the vents.
• protect windows from the sun. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvres on windows receiving morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvres can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.
• consider installing an attic fan, which can vent warm air out of your attic to help keep your whare/home cool.
• if it is not humid in your home, you can hang up wet towels to cool down the air.

Readiness

Protecting your health

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Be aware of those at greatest risk of heat-related illness. This includes:

• older people, especially those over 65 years of age, or people living on their own who are socially isolated.
• pregnant people.
• people who have a serious or long-term illness – including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness.
• people who may find it hard to keep themselves cool – including babies, people who are bed bound, and people with cognitive impairments like dementia.
• people with drug or alcohol addictions.
• people who spend a lot of time outdoors or in hot places – including people who work outside and people experiencing homelessness.

Talk to the members of your household about the steps they should take to stay safe in extreme heat. Everyone should know what to do in the places where they spend time. Some places may not be air-conditioned or safe during extreme heat, so plan alternatives.

Periods of hot weather often coincide with bright, sunny days. The best way to protect yourself from UV radiation from sunlight is to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. To learn more about being SunSmart head to the SunSmart website.

Response

In hot weather, you should stay cool and inside or in the shade, out of the heat. Limit physical activity as much as possible and stay hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids. Alcohol can increase your risk of dehydration and exacerbate symptoms of heat-related illness.

During extreme heat, check your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s website or social media channels and listen to the radio or TV for any updates. Information may be provided on where you can go for additional advice and support to keep you and your whānau/family cool.

There are things that you can do at home to keep you and your whānau/family cool during an extreme heat event:

• if there is a breeze outside, it may help to open your windows, while keeping your curtains or blinds closed to avoid direct sunlight.
• have a cool shower.
• wear loose, lightweight clothing.

If you cannot keep your home cool, go to a public location that has air conditioning, such as a library or shopping mall. Watch for signs of excessive heat exposure – particularly in people at a higher risk and young children. These may include:

• heat rash – Small, red, itchy bumps.
• heat cramps – Muscular pains and spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs. Medical attention is required for those with heart conditions or on a low-sodium diet.
• sunburn – Red painful skin that is warm to the touch. Severe sunburn may result in fever, blistering and severe pain and may require medical attention.
• heat exhaustion – Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, headache, fast and weak pulse, fast and shallow breathing. Medical attention is required if symptoms are severe or for those with heart problems or high blood pressure.
• heatstroke/sunstroke – High body temperature (above 39.4 degrees Celsius), confusion, disorientation, unconsciousness, red hot dry skin (no sweating), throbbing headache, nausea, rapid strong pulse. If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and immediate medical attention is required. 

St John provides detailed first aid guidance for identifying and treating heat-related conditions. 

You can also find more information about the effects of high heat on health and how to treat them on Health NZ’s website.

You can find more information about working safely in extreme temperatures on the WorkSafe website.

Protecting pets and other animals

Pets, horses, and livestock are susceptible to difficulties from excessive heat. Very young and older animals, as well as animals with short snouts, are more susceptible to problems with heat. Most animals do not perspire and rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water for cooling. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to you to take extra care during extreme heat to ensure your animals’ needs are met.

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering stress from the heat.
• Make sure animals are indoors or in the shade.
• Provide plenty of water for drinking as well as for cooling the animals. Water intake can double in high temperatures and humidity – you need to clean out farm dams on a regular basis to keep water quality and in good order.
• If the conditions are hot and damp for livestock, make sure you keep an eye on the spore counts for facial eczema as they will rise. It is recommended that farmers take regular spore counts.
• If you see signs of heat stress, call your veterinarian.
• Advice about caring for your pets and other animals before, during and after an emergency is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Failure of lifeline utilities that provide vital services, such as electricity, gas, petrol, water, wastewater, telecommunications, roads, rail, ports, and airports, happens from time to time. Lifeline utility networks are vulnerable to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunami and landslides, but they can also be disrupted by other factors such as terrorism, or system breakdowns.

Small lifeline utility failures, such as short power cuts or a road affected by a small landslide, are relatively common and do not cause much disruption. However, widespread or long-term failure, such as power being cut for many days after a storm or earthquake, or a landslide blocking a main road for days, can cause distress or health issues for people and can affect the economy.

Make and practise your emergency plan, make a grab bag and have emergency supplies.

Major transport incidents often have high death and injury rates and are generally localised occurrences. Major transport incidents could involve aircraft, helicopters, ferries, ships, trains, trainlines, buses, coaches and/or vehicles.

Damage to property and infrastructure from transport incidents is usually confined to a much smaller area than damage from natural hazards. However, the economic impact of a major transport incident can have short-term consequences for tourism, and the loss of a large aircraft or ship can have substantial financial implications.

Transport incidents are a common cause of hazardous substance releases or spills, which are hazards themselves.

The requirements for preserving evidence at the scene for investigators can mean that roads, airports and rail lines can be out of use for many days, causing disruption. Damage to infrastructure like bridges can also cause prolonged disruption.

New Zealand Police will lead the response to a major transport incident. Emergency services provide the initial response to all major incidents.

Road closure information is provided by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency at journeys.nzta.govt.nz.

Most oil spills within New Zealand waters are likely to happen close to the coast or in harbours. This makes it extremely difficult for responders to prevent oil from reaching the shoreline. Depending on local weather, currents, and tides, any spilt oil can reach the coast within hours.

New Zealand’s response capability is maintained (and developed) through partnerships between Maritime New Zealand, Regional Councils, the oil industry, and overseas agencies.

Wildbase Oil Response, based at Massey University, works to minimise the damaging effects of oil pollution on wildlife. They undertake the care, rehabilitation and release of animals after a marine oil spill. The unit operates under contract to Maritime New Zealand and also work on oil responses internationally. Learn more about response to marine oil spills.

What to do if you find an oil spill

Call your regional council to report the spill as soon as possible.

Do not touch the spill and be careful not to breathe any vapours. Oil is toxic.

Do not touch any oiled birds or marine life without gloves.

What to do if you spill oil

Call your regional council to report the spill as soon as possible.

Even the smallest spill needs to be dealt with promptly so that rain cannot wash it into the storm water system and out to a stream or beach or even into a water supply aquifer.

You can help by stopping the spill getting into a storm water grate and cleaning it up without causing water pollution.

• Block off access to storm water grates with covers, sandbags or absorbent material.
• Contain the spill with sand or sawdust. Sweep up solids or powders and put them in a safe container.
• Dispose of the waste appropriately at a landfill.

A pandemic happens when an infection disease spreads quickly and affects many countries around the world. Pandemics can last for many months or years.

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

Learn more about preparing for a pandemic.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that can affect your lungs and airways. Like the flu, COVID-19 is spread from person to person. COVID-19 has affected many people around the world.

• To slow the spread of COVID-19 and continue to protect yourself, your whānau, and your community, it is important to keep up healthy habits. Wear a mask or face covering when out and about.
• Stay home if you are sick
• Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Clean or disinfect surfaces regularly
• Improve ventilation in shared spaces
• Keep your distance from people you do not know where possible.

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms call Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or talk to your doctor.

Learn more about COVID-19 at covid19.govt.nz.

The New Zealand Police are responsible for leading responses to terrorism incidents. If you are involved in a terrorist incident, New Zealand Police advice is: escape, hide, tell.

Learn more about what to do in the event of a terrorist attack or similar incident.

Find out how to prepare your crowded place in the event of a terrorist attack or similar incident.

Escape

• If you see a safe way out, leave the area immediately. Move quickly and quietly away from danger if it is safe to do so.
• Take your mobile phone with you if you can, but do not go back to get it if it puts you in danger. Leave other belongings behind.
• Encourage others to go with you, but don’t let their hesitation slow you down.

Hide

• If you cannot escape, stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
• Secure your environment by locking doors and windows and barricading entries where possible.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Stay as quiet and still as possible, so you do not give away your hiding place.
• Note any potential exit points.
• Consider looking for something you can use to defend yourself as a last resort if you are found by the attacker.
• If you come across any injured people while hiding, providing first aid may help save their lives. But only help if it does not put yourself and others in any danger.
• Do not leave until you are sure the threat has passed.

Tell

As soon as it is safe, call 111. The more information you can give about your location, surroundings, the attackers and the events that have occurred, the better. You may be asked to stay on the line and provide further information that the operator requests or if the situation changes.

If it is safe to do so, try to obtain the following information:

• Exact location of the incident.
• Description of the offender/s and whether they are moving in any particular direction.
• Details of any weapons being used.
• Number of people in the area and any that have been injured.
• The intent of the offender/s (if known or apparent).

In crowded places

Always try to be aware of your surroundings. If you see a commotion, hear screams, gunfire or loud noises, try to identify where it is coming from. If you think it is dangerous, consider what you can do to keep yourself safe. For example, you may have to hide before you have the opportunity to escape. In some situations, you may still need to hide once you have escaped the immediate area.

Try to stop others from entering the area, but only if it doesn’t put you in any danger.

Do not move closer to see what is happening - this may put you in danger.