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Overview
If you’ve been affected by a major incident or disaster in New Zealand, this page explains what support may be available and who may be involved.
Incidents and disasters with multiple fatalities
When events with multiple fatalities happen in New Zealand many people are affected – not just victims and survivors but their families, friends and communities.
- An incident is a large-scale event that harms or poses a risk to people such as mass shootings or pandemics.
- A disaster is an event that seriously impacts communities, property or the environment such as major earthquakes, flooding or volcanic eruptions.
- A Mass Fatality Incident (MFI) is declared by the Chief Coroner when local resources aren’t enough to deal with the fatalities.
If a loved one passes away in an incident or disaster, support will be provided by the New Zealand Police Family Liaison Service.
The coroner, police and other specialists will determine the identity of the victims following an internationally approved process for disaster management identification (DVI).
New Zealand incident and disaster support services
New Zealand has a coordinated emergency management system involving national, regional and local organisations.
In a large-scale incident or disaster, there are organisations and agencies that can provide help in an emergency and support in the aftermath.
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NEMA/Civil Defence
The role of civil defence is to co-ordinate, lead and support responses to emergencies. The National Emergency Management Agency is the Government lead for emergency management.
There are 16 regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups across New Zealand
Where can you get support in an emergency | National Emergency Management Agency(external link)
Local civil defence groups | National Emergency Management Agency(external link)
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Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is responsible for urban and rural fire services across New Zealand.
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St John and Wellington Free Ambulance
St John Hato Hone provides ambulance services throughout New Zealand.
Hato Hone St John(external link)
Wellington Free Ambulance provides free ambulance services in the greater Wellington and Wairarapa district.
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New Zealand Police
New Zealand Police operate 24 hours a day enforcing the law, apprehending offenders and providing services to victims.
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Coroners Court
Coroners determine the cause of death when someone dies unexpectedly, violently or in suspicious circumstance.
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Community organisations
If you need help and support in the aftermath of a traumatic event, there are services that can help you.