Getting support and information

bad weather

This section provides practical advice on preparing for and responding to extreme weather events and earthquakes. During an adverse event, this page will be regularly updated with regional-specific information for farmers. 

Storm event Monday 16 February

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is thinking of all those affected by this extreme weather.

The first priority has to be the health and safety of your family, your farm team and your livestock.

Stay away from flood waters, do not attempt to drive through flooded rivers or creeks.

 Many of you will be without power but still treat all power lines as live.

 Please use generators safely!

Windthrown trees can be deadly!

Be extremely careful when clearing wind thrown trees. These can be under considerable tension.

The forestry sector stopped working with chainsaws on wind thrown trees 40 years ago. A 10cm branch could explode and go through your skull or hand.

Who to contact for help and information

Dial 111 in an emergency – hold on for at least 40 seconds as your call will connect.

Dial 111 as usual first. Even if your provider’s network is affected, most phones will try to connect using any available network for emergency calls. If that doesn’t work, move to higher ground or a more open area where coverage is usually better. 

If you can’t connect by mobile, use a landline or any other available means to raise the alarm — including a satellite device, radio, or by asking someone nearby for help. 

Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank, and know how to switch networks manually. 

Useful links

Below are some reminders to support decision-making over the next few days

1.       Assess and prioritise: Evaluate damage to access ways, fences, pastures, tracks, water systems, and farm infrastructure.

2.       Secure essential systems: Fix water systems and secure fences as top priorities.

3.       Document everything: Take photos of damage and keep receipts for insurance and potential compensation claims.

4.       Access to stock water: If for welfare reasons, farmers need to access waterways for stock water, inform your regional council and document the reasons to do this. Try and minimise the time stock spend near waterways.

Who to call 

In a life-threatening emergency, call 111. 

If mobile networks go down, you may still be able to reach emergency services but it’s important to know your options  

Dial 111 as usual first. Even if your provider’s network is affected, most phones will try to connect using any available network for emergency calls. If that doesn’t work, move to higher ground or a more open area where coverage is usually better. 

If you can’t connect by mobile, use a landline or any other available means to raise the alarm — including a satellite device, radio, or by asking someone nearby for help. 

Keep your phone charged, carry a power bank, and know how to switch networks manually. In remote areas, having a backup communication option can make all the difference. 

If life or safety is at risk, don’t wait for coverage to return — try every option to call for help. 

Finding information 

Many Regional Councils have valuable information on their websites or work with Civil Defence to provide updated localised information during adverse events. MPI also has a web page dedicated to disaster and crisis support as does the Rural Support Trust. 

Information for specific adverse event types 

For specific resources to help deal with each of these events go to the Preparing for adverse events website section. 

Wellbeing   

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed during and after adverse events. 

  • To help ease the mental load and clarify thinking make a plan. Identify priorities and write down actions. 
  • Keep in touch with neighbours and attend community or farmer wellbeing events.
  • Ask for help
  • Eat healthy and nutritious meals and prioritise sleep.
  • When possible, take some time off-farm to refresh and recharge.
  • Acknowledge the event’s impact, but try and look ahead with positivity, even if it is difficult.
  • Reach out to the Rural Support Trust Rural Support Trust | Help and Support for Rural NZ or phone 0800 543 354 and use the resources on the Farmstrong website. Home - Farmstrong - Live Well Farm Well. 

Insurance claims 

  • Always, put your safety first.
  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
  • Take as many photos of damage as you can, particularly before you throw items out as these will help support your claim.
  • Essential repairs. You can carry these out if it is safe to do so. Please take photos beforehand.
  • Minor repairs. Again, please take photos of the damage before you carry these out.