Ētahi atu Mōrearea Other Hazards
Auckland faces a range of other hazards that can affect communities and infrastructure, from environmental risks to problems with technology.
A range of agencies work together, coordinated by Auckland Emergency Management, to respond to these hazards. The lead agency depends on the type of emergency.
Being aware of these different hazards and their warning signs can help you be prepared.
Landslides
Landslides can happen after heavy rain, earthquakes, or damage to buried pipelines - all of which can make slopes unstable, causing soil and rock to move downhill. Auckland's hilly areas are more at risk during or after severe weather.
Warning signs:
Cracking in the ground
Tilting trees or poles
Water seeping in unexpected places
Agencies involved:
Auckland Council
GNS Science
More info:
Drought
Droughts happen when there is a prolonged period without rainfall. This can reduce the amount of water in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs and lead to restrictions on the water you can use, or even impact the quality or appearance of drinking water.
Warning signs:
Extended dry periods
Water restrictions
Reduced water levels in lakes and reservoirs
Agencies involved:
Ministry for Primary Industries
Auckland Council
Watercare
More info:
Wildfire
Wildfires spread extremely fast in dry weather and can cause damage to homes, farms, and natural areas. While urban Auckland is at low risk, rural and forested areas are more vulnerable, especially in dry, windy weather.
If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 and ask for 'Fire’.
Warning signs:
Dry weather
Smoke
Hot, windy conditions
Small fires in rural or forested areas
Agencies involved:
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
More info:
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances include chemicals and gases that are harmful to people and the environment.
Emergencies involving hazardous substances can involve explosive, flammable, corrosive, or toxic elements, and can happen during transportation, storage, or industrial use.
Warning signs:
Chemical spills
Strong odours
Unusual gases
Agencies involved:
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Worksafe
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
More info:
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat to public safety that aims to cause fear and disruption. Although New Zealand has a low risk, it's important to stay alert.
If you notice something suspicious, such as an unattended bag or package, unusual behaviour, or a conversation suggesting potential violence - contact the Police by calling 111.
Warning signs:
Unattended bags or packages
Unusual behaviour
Conversations suggesting potential violence
Agencies involved:
New Zealand Police
New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS)
More info:
Space Weather
‘Space weather’ is a collective term used to describe a range of phenomena originating from the Sun.
Like weather on Earth, space weather occurs continuously, although it usually produces no visible effects. However, space weather in its more extreme forms can damage or disrupt Auckland's critical infrastructure like electricity, gas, and communication networks. It can also affect systems that these services rely on, such as GPS, and radio communications.
Warning signs:
Sudden disruptions in GPS signals or satellite communication
Power surges
Space weather forecasts and alerts
Agencies involved:
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
GNS Science
More info:
Fuel Supply Disruption
Fuel disruptions happen when incidents affect the production, supply chains, or availability of petrol, diesel, or aviation fuel across the region.
These can be caused by severe weather, earthquakes, infrastructure failures, or overseas conflict, and can affect transport, freight, and emergency services.
Warning signs:
Global conflict
Government or industry announcements on supply disruption
Fuel shortages or rationing at service stations
Agencies involved:
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
More info: