Ngaa whakariteritenga Ohotata o Aotearoa | Emergency Preparedness (NZ)

You’re at home. The power flickers, your phone buzzes with a weather alert, and the radio mentions road closures. It’s not a crisis yet — and it may never become one — but being prepared now means less stress if things do change. This guide is for kaapoo Maaori and whaanau, written to be calm, practical, and realistic. Kei te pai — you’ve got this.

Quick actions: Put a power bank on charge, save one emergency contact as a favourite, and place a torch by your bed tonight. Small steps count.

Your Accessible Grab-bag | Too Kete Ohotata

Think of this as your “I can leave safely in 5 minutes” kit. Pack it once, check it every few months.

• Large-print or braille list of medications and doses, plus pharmacy details
• Spare white cane, spare cane tips, or a monocular if you use one
• Power bank and charging cables labelled with tactile markers or high-contrast tape
• Small portable radio (add tactile dots to On/Off and Volume)
• High-contrast ID card with your name, key contacts, GP, and any notes about access needs
• 7-day medication supply in clearly labelled containers
• Lightweight torch with fresh batteries — keep one in your bag and one by the bed

Alerts & Information | Ngaa Whakamoohiotanga

Use channels that work well with screen readers and voice assistants:

• National preparedness: getready.govt.nz
• Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunami: geonet.org.nz
• Severe weather warnings: metservice.com/warnings/home
• Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA): make sure alerts are enabled on your phone settings

If you prefer voice, set up a routine: “Hey Siri/Google, what are the severe weather warnings today?”

Guide Dogs & Pets | Ngaa Kurii Aarahi me ngaa Kararehe Kaainga

Your service animal is part of your plan too:

• Keep a spare harness, leads, and collapsible bowls in your grab-bag
• Pack at least 7 days of food and any medications
• Add a small comfort item for them (familiar toy/blanket)
• If evacuating, let staff know you’re travelling with a guide dog — this helps with placement and support

Transport & Evacuation | Ngaa Waka me te Rerenga

Talk with whaanau now about “what if”. It doesn’t need to be heavy — just clear.

• Agree on a safe meeting point if phones go down
• Keep your Total Mobility card handy, if you have one
• Ask your local council about assistance registration for people with additional needs
• If you rely on a support worker for certain tasks, plan a simple backup: who would you call if they can’t reach you that day?

In a civil defence centre, ask where you can get orientation support, quiet space if needed, and clear verbal wayfinding.