New Zealand advises a three-day minimum, with a week or more where possible
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency advises a minimum of three days of household food and water, or a week or more if possible. It encourages building supplies gradually and checking with local Civil Defence groups where communities could be cut off for longer.
What changed
Standing preparedness guidance, not a newly announced 2026 stockpiling requirement. The date is the source page’s last-update date, not proof that the recommendation began then. Household supplies are distinct from government emergency reserves.
Who this is for
National household guidance
Detailed NEMA guidance and Get Ready household page opened and read. NEMA displays Last updated: 16 Dec 2025. Get Ready says three days or more. The separate Govt.nz summary updated 19 Oct 2026 says food ideally two weeks; that longer number is not represented as a change or used as the principal recommendation here.
Read the original sources
Nations Prepare provides an independent original summary. Follow current local authority instructions in an emergency.