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Emergency services
New Zealand has four main emergency services - Fire and Emergency, Police, Ambulance and Civil Defence.
Call 111 in emergencies
In New Zealand, the number to call if you need Fire, Police or an ambulance in an emergency is 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 to the right one.
If you are not sure if it is an emergency but you are still worried, call 111 and ask the operator. They will help you decide what to do.
If you are sure it is not an emergency but you want to report it to the Police, call 105.
Is it an emergency?
You can call 111 emergency call in situations such as:
- fire
- medical emergency
- someone is badly injured or in danger
- 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.
If you are not sure if it is an emergency but you are still worried, call 111 and ask the operator. They will help you decide what to do.
For more information about medical emergencies, visit our Healthcare services page.
Calling emergency 111 | NZ Police
Getting help if it is not an emergency
If it is not an emergency and you want to report it to the Police, you can call them on 105.
To report a minor traffic incident, you can call *555 from your mobile phone.
If it is a medical issue and you need to see a doctor, call your family doctor (GP) or after hours medical clinic.
If it is a medical issue and you just need advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Reporting non-emergencies | NZ Police
Fire and Emergency Service
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has 637 fire stations around the country. Firefighters get called out to put out fires and to 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
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 here to help you.
If you need police help, but it is not an emergency, call 105.
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.
The Ministry of Health also has more information about what to do in an emergency.
What to do in a medical emergency
In a disaster
If there is a disaster, listen to your radio or TV for advice from Civil Defence about what to do.
Getting through a disaster
Civil Defence helps people get through natural or man-made disasters, like storms or floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires or volcanic eruptions.
It is not an emergency service that will come to your door. But you may contact their office to find out information on local hazards and community response arrangements.
Civil Defence manages the central government’s response and recovery functions for national emergencies, and supports the management of local and regional emergencies.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management coordinates Civil Defence nationally. Local Civil Defence is led by your city or district council.
For details about who to contact in your area, visit the Get Ready website. Our page on natural disasters also has information on how you can prepare for a disaster.