Key government and private sector organisations are urging New Zealanders to strengthen disaster resilience before emergencies occur.
Marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), and the Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) called for more coordinated efforts to protect people, property, and communities across Aotearoa.
“On a personal level, it’s crucial to build your own resilience first, and that of your whānau and community,” said John Price, NEMA’s director of civil defence emergency management. “If we invest in our resilience now, we’ll be more prepared when we’re tested later.”
NHC supports resilience projects that reduce the impact of natural hazards through research, education, and risk reduction initiatives. “In a country at high risk of natural hazards, it is important that we all make evidence-based decisions for safer buildings and land use planning,” said Tina Mitchell, chief executive of NHC.
Mitchell also emphasised that access to high-quality hazard data is vital for informed decision-making. “A key priority for NHC is establishing a national view of risk so it guides resilience efforts in all its forms,” she said.
ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said that proactive action is essential in the face of growing climate-related challenges. “The likelihood of more intense and severe weather events is rising, and New Zealand must prioritise risk reduction to protect communities and maintain insurance accessibility for all Kiwis,” he said.
Faafoi added that long-term planning and intersectoral cooperation are necessary. He urged faster progress on New Zealand’s Climate Adaptation Framework to help manage risks more effectively. “Avoiding high-risk areas and investing in resilient infrastructure isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes economic sense. Research shows every $1 invested in flood risk reduction can save up to $4 in future response and recovery costs.”
NEMA, NHC, and ICNZ recently signed a partnership to strengthen disaster resilience through collaboration and shared expertise. “We have significant expertise available in New Zealand – if we build on existing partnerships and co-ordinate effort, it will take us a long way,” Mitchell said.
Price encouraged individuals to take part in community preparedness. “Get to know your neighbours and people in your community now, so that when an emergency happens, first responders can focus on those who need it most. Closely knit communities are more resilient because they’re more likely to look out for each other and help rebuild afterwards.”
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