The risk and impact of wildfire is increasing in Aotearoa New Zealand due to climate change, but also how and where we are living.. The frequency of wildfires and number of significant wildfires are on the rise in Aotearoa New Zealand – with many happening in the shoulder months rather than the typical higher risk summer period. 

Large wildfires like the 2017 Port Hills, 2019 Tasman, 2020 Lake Ōhau, 2021/2022 Waiharara fires are occurring every 1-2 years, resulting in significant impact and losses. In addition, many of these significant wildfires are happening in the shoulder months rather than the typical summer period.

Our Wildfire Readiness and Prevention campaign features:

Wildfire Prevention 

We will prompt people who are performing heat or spark generating activities to check the local fire danger at checkitsalright.nz. The ‘Can I light a fire?’ tool will be expanded to also include activities that generate heat and/or sparks.  

We will deliver real-time and localised fire danger level and fire season information across MetService’s desktop and app platforms. In addition, all MetService app users are now able to opt in to receive real-time Extreme Fire Danger and Severe Weather Warning notifications.

Correct extinguishing  

With flareups from inadequately extinguished burn piles making up approximately 40% of the total number of wildfires, we will educate our rural and semi-rural audiences on the importance of appropriately extinguishing the burn pile before leaving, and checking again the next day to ensure the pile is fully extinguished. 

Wildfire readiness  

We will encourage rural, semi-rural, urban interface and lifestyle property owners to prepare their properties for the coming wildfire season before the wildfire risk increases.