Short answer. New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says you may be stuck at home for three days or more in an emergency. Its Get Ready advice is to store at least 9 litres of water per person, long-lasting food that needs no cooking, and supplies for an emergency toilet, plus a grab bag for each person in case you must leave 1.
How long should a New Zealand household be able to manage?
Three days or more. NEMA's wording is direct: "In an emergency, you may be stuck at home for three days or more" 1. That is a minimum, not a ceiling. Water, food and medication should cover at least that period 1.
How much water does NEMA recommend?
At least 9 litres per person, for drinking and basic hygiene, for three days or more 1.
For storage and rotation, see How much water to store per person per day? and How do you make water safe to drink in an emergency?.
What food should I store?
Long-lasting food that does not need cooking, unless you have a camping stove or gas barbecue 1. Include food for babies and pets 1. If someone in the household has dietary or medical needs, keep the food, equipment or medication they need for three days at home 1.
See How long does emergency food last, and how do you rotate it?.
What about toilets if the water is off?
NEMA lists toilet paper and large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet: watertight containers of about 15 to 20 litres with a snug-fitting cover 1. Add a small amount of household disinfectant, such as chlorine bleach, after each use; if you have none, use dirt and dry materials 1. For the full method, see How do you manage toilets and waste when the water is off?.
What else is on the home list?
| Item | NEMA detail 1 |
|---|---|
| Work gloves and a properly fitted P2 or N95 mask | quantity not specified |
| Cash in coins and small notes | in case EFTPOS and ATMs are down |
| First aid kit, torch, radio and batteries | kept where you can grab them in a hurry |
The complete official list, line by line, is on the New Zealand kit page.
What goes in a grab bag?
NEMA asks for one grab bag per person, ready if you need to leave in a hurry 1. It contains walking shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat and hat; water and snack food (for babies and pets too); hand sanitiser; a portable phone charger; cash in coins and small notes; and copies of important documents and photo ID 1.
NEMA also lists supplies to keep in the car and at work 1. These are detailed on the kit page.
Can I rely on an emergency shelter for supplies?
Not entirely. NEMA warns that emergency shelters may not have the food and supplies you need 1. Civil Defence Centres opened by councils provide welfare support, but they are not open at all times; see Public shelters in New Zealand.
How do I adapt the list to my household?
Add what babies, pets and people with medical needs require 1. See Emergency preparedness for children, seniors and people on medication and How do I prepare my pet for an emergency?. For power cuts, see How do you prepare for a long power outage?.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of supplies does New Zealand recommend?
Three days or more. NEMA says you may be stuck at home for that long in an emergency 1.
How much water per person in New Zealand?
At least 9 litres per person for three days or more, for drinking and basic hygiene 1.
Why keep cash in an emergency kit?
EFTPOS and ATMs may be down. NEMA recommends coins and small notes, both at home and in each grab bag 1.
Do I need a mask?
NEMA lists work gloves and a properly fitted P2 or N95 mask among home supplies 1.
Sources
- National Emergency Management Agency (Get Ready) — Work out what supplies you need (large print, file aug26, produced 2022) — https://getready.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/documents/alternate-formats/large-print/docx/21-supplies-lp-en-aug26.docx (accessed 2026-10-20)
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Sources
- National Emergency Management Agency (Get Ready) · Work out what supplies you need (large print, file aug26, produced 2022) checked 2026-10-20