Prepare • Respond • Recover
Unpredictable events such as severe weather, biosecurity threats, workplace incidents, and supply chain disruptions can have serious impacts on our growers, businesses, and the wider potato industry.
This page provides practical guidance, key contacts, and information to help the potato industry prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis or adverse events.
In an emergency: Do this first
If you are dealing with an urgent or dangerous situation:
- Put people first
Ensure the safety of yourself, your staff, family, and visitors. - Call emergency services if required
- Fire / Ambulance / Police (emergency): 111
- Police non‑emergency: 105
- Road incidents (urgent but not life‑threatening): *555
- Stabilise the situation
Take immediate steps to prevent further harm, spread, or damage where it is safe to do so. - Document what you are seeing
Record dates, times, locations, photos, and actions taken. This is important for reporting, insurance, and recovery. - Report early to the right agency
See the relevant sections below for biosecurity, health and safety, and other reporting requirements. - Check Potatoes New Zealand updates
Rely on official updates from Potatoes New Zealand and relevant authorities. Avoid speculation and sharing unverified information.
Key contacts
Emergency services and immediate help
| Contact | Phone |
| Police/Fire/Ambulance | 111 |
| Police non-emergency | 105 |
| Road incidents | *555 |
| Healthline | 0800 611 116 |
| Public hospital directory | www.healthpoint.co.nz |
Biosecurity / pests and diseases
Early detection is critical. If you see anything unusual:
- Ministry for Primary Industries exotic pest and disease hotline (available 24/7):
0800 80 99 66 - Online reporting: report.mpi.govt.nz
If possible and safe:
- Take clear photos
- Note the location and affected crop/area
- Restrict movement of people, vehicles, and equipment until advised
Remember: Snap it. Catch it. Report it.
Workplace health and safety incidents
If a serious workplace injury, illness, near miss, or fatality has occurred:
- Some events are legally notifiable to WorkSafe New Zealand
- Employers (PCBUs) must notify WorkSafe as soon as possible once aware
Learn more about notifiable events and your obligations:
worksafe.govt.nz → Notifications
Always prioritise medical care and preserve the site if required.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
For flooding, cyclones, storms, drought, earthquakes, or power outages:
- Follow Civil Defence and local council guidance
- Check local radio and council websites for updates
- Take care around floodwater, unstable structures, and downed powerlines
During clean up and recovery:
- Act quickly to protect animal welfare
- Keep records and photos of repair and clean‑up work
- Contact your council if unsure about compliance requirements during recovery
Wellbeing and rural support
Major events can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing. Support is available.
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
Farmstrong: farmstrong.co.nz
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
1737 – Need to Talk? Call or text 1737 (24/7)
Reaching out early is a strength.
Common adverse events and what to do
Biosecurity incursion
Examples: unusual pests, diseases, plant symptoms
What to do
- Isolate affected areas where possible
- Restrict vehicles, equipment, and visitor access
- Increase hygiene and cleaning practices
- Report immediately to Ministry for Primary Industries
What not to do
- Do not attempt to self diagnose or treat
- Do not move potentially contaminated material without approval
- Do not share unverified information publicly
Potatoes New Zealand works closely with Ministry for Primary Industries and industry partners to support response and communication during biosecurity events.
Extreme weather events
Examples: flooding, cyclones, prolonged wet conditions, drought
Focus areas
- People safety and fatigue management
- Water supply and contamination risks
- Soil structure, erosion, and clean‑up decisions
- Animal welfare and access
Helpful actions
- Review and follow your farm emergency plan
- Communicate clearly with staff and contractors
- Prioritise critical repairs and document actions taken
Food safety or contamination concerns
Examples: chemical residues, contamination risks, product integrity issues
What to do
- Stop distribution of affected product where required
- Gather information and assess risk
- Contact Ministry for Primary Industries / New Zealand Food Safety for guidance
- Follow recall procedures if advised
Having a food recall or incident response plan in place helps reduce risk and confusion.
Serious workplace injury or fatality
Immediate actions
- Call emergency services if required
- Provide first aid and medical assistance
- Make the site safe if possible
Some incidents must be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand. Records must be kept and the site preserved in certain circumstances.
Supply chain or operational disruption
Examples: transport, labour shortages, fuel or power outages
Things to consider
- Alternate suppliers or contractors
- Backup power or irrigation options
- Communication with customers, processors, and staff
- Reviewing emergency contacts and contingency plans