Police, emergency services and natural disasters
New Zealand's police, fire and ambulance services can help you in an emergency, and Civil Defence can help in a flood, earthquake, tsumani or other natural disaster.
What to do in an emergency
In New Zealand, if you need the police, the fire service, or an ambulance for an emergency, call 111.
Calling 111 is free. You can call this number from a mobile phone, even if you have no credit left.
The operator will ask you which service you need and connect you.
Is it an emergency?
You can call 111 if:
- there is a fire
- there is a medical emergency
- someone is badly injured or in danger
- there is a serious risk to life or property
- a crime is being committed, and the offenders are still there or have just left
- you have come across a major public disruption, like trees blocking a road
- a dangerous situation is happening now or has just happened.
For more information about medical emergencies, visit our 'Getting health care and finding a doctor' page.
Calling emergency 111 — New Zealand Police
Getting health care and finding a doctor
Getting help when it is not an emergency
If it is not an emergency but you need to contact the police, call them on 105.
Reporting non-emergencies — New Zealand Police
To report a minor traffic incident, use your mobile phone to call *555.
If it is a medical issue and you need to see a doctor, you should either call:
- your family doctor (GP)
- an after-hours medical clinic
- Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Getting health care and finding a doctor
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police are responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining public safety, and helping with emergency management.
You can trust the police in New Zealand — they are there to help you. Officers follow a strict code of conduct, and do not generally carry guns.
The police website has tips and checklists to help you keep yourself, your family, and your property safe. There is also a list of community liaison officers, as well as advice and information for recent migrants on:
- communicating with police
- your rights with police
- driving in New Zealand
- personal safety
- theft prevention for businesses
- family violence
- crime prevention
- police initiatives for ethnic communities.
This information is available in English, as well as in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, German, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
Keeping safe — New Zealand Police
Advice for new arrivals — New Zealand Police
Fire and Emergency service
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has fire stations in communities all around the country. Some are staffed by community volunteers.
Firefighters put out fires and deal with other emergencies. They also educate the community about preventing fires.
For more information on keeping yourself and your house safe, visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Ambulance services
Ambulances respond to medical emergencies and accidents. Ambulance staff treat patients at the scene and, if needed, transport them to hospital.
You can call an ambulance at any time — they are available to help in emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
St John delivers ambulance services to all of New Zealand, except for the greater Wellington region which is serviced by Wellington Free Ambulance.
There may be a cost for some ambulances. See our information on medical emergencies.
In an emergency — Wellington Free Ambulance
If there is a natural disaster
In New Zealand, earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms, tsunami, volcanic activity, and other hazards can happen with little warning.
Civil Defence manages the response to natural disasters.
If there is a natural disaster, listen to your radio or TV for advice from Civil Defence about what to do.
To make sure you are prepared if a disaster does happen, visit Civil Defence's Get Ready website. Find out how to make a plan for you and your family, and what to do in particular emergencies, for example floods, earthquakes or tsunami.
The website also has helpful information in different languages.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management coordinates Civil Defence nationally. Local Civil Defence is led by your city or district council.