Emergency Management

Emergencies like storms, wildfires or earthquakes don’t wait for the right time — they can happen without warning.

It’s natural to feel uneasy or overwhelmed when thinking about what could happen, but focusing on what we can control and making a few practical preparations now means we’ll be better equipped to get through it together.

By understanding local hazards, taking simple steps to get ready ahead of time, and staying informed, we can protect what matters most: our whānau, pets, homes, and peace of mind. It also helps us look after each other and stay resilient as a community when the unexpected happens.

At Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), we’re here to help you stay safe, supported, and connected. Whether you’re at home, work, school, or out enjoying our beautiful backyard, a little planning now can go a long way in an emergency.

Civil Defence isn’t a single organisation, it’s a team effort made up of everyday people, community groups, emergency services, and local agencies working together to prepare and respond to emergency events.

When a major event happens, QLDC activates its Emergency Operations Centre and works with Emergency Management Otago, emergency services, health agencies, critical infrastructure companies, and local community groups to coordinate the response. But the system works best when individuals and households are ready to act. That’s where you come in.

Even small steps — like having a household plan, stocking up on essential supplies, packing a grab bag, or checking in on neighbours — can make a real difference in an emergency.

In the Queenstown Lakes District, the most likely emergency situations include:

• Earthquakes, particularly the Alpine Fault.

• Severe weather events, including storms, floods, landslides, snow, and ice.

• Wildfires, especially during dry summer months.

• Infrastructure failures like power outages or road impacts.

• Space weather, which can affect GPS, communications and electricity.

• Lake seiche: Sudden water movement (like sloshing in a giant bathtub) that may flood the shore.

Knowing your local hazards and risks helps you make informed decisions and reduce the chance of harm. Visit the Emergency Management Otago website to learn more.

Getting prepared isn’t about fear — it’s about peace of mind. And it’s easier than you might think. Start with these simple steps:

• Make a plan: How will you stay in touch if the phone network is down? Where will you meet? What happens if your kids are at school?  What happens if you’re at work? Who’s in charge of your pet? 

• Have some emergency supplies: Water, food, alternate cooking and heating options etc.

• Pack a grab bag: Include water, food, medications, key documents, and any must-haves for babies, pets, or medical needs.

• Protect your home: Secure or fix anything that could fall, flood, catch fire, or fail.

• Connect with your community: Knowing your neighbours is invaluable, particularly who might need extra help and who could lend a hand. Link up with your local Community Resilience Group to find out about plans for your neighbourhood and where a safe meeting place is likely to be.

Get Ready NZ has practical checklists and advice to help you prepare. These are available in accessible formats, including NZ Sign Language, audio, large print, Easy Read, and braille.

You’ll also find emergency preparedness and response videos in 21 languages, including Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Tagalog, Portuguese, and Spanish, on the Ministry for Ethnic Communities website.

Emergency Management Otago provides region-specific advice and handy templates on how to get home, work, school and community ready.

Good information helps you make smart decisions. Here are some ways you can stay up to date:

• Tune in to your local radio station for real-time information.

• Follow updates from QLDC, Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management and your local Community Response Group on social media.

• Sign up to Otago Gets Ready for neighbourhood-specific emergency alerts.

• Bookmark Emergency Management Otago’s website for official updates.

• Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

• Use the NZTA Travel Planner to monitor State Highway Road closures and safe travel routes.