Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team

18/09/2026

Animals are now formally a part of New Zealand’s emergency management framework 🐶🐱

🚨 Animals are now formally part of New Zealand’s emergency management framework.

The Emergency Management Act 2026 has now become law, replacing the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.

Under the new Act, Regional Emergency Management Plans must address how animals will be managed during emergencies - including pets, working animals, livestock and wildlife.

The Act also introduces new powers to help protect animals during and after an emergency. In certain circumstances, Controllers, Recovery Managers, constables and those authorised by them can enter premises where animals need help and take reasonable steps to relieve unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.

These changes recognise something we have long advocated for: animals need to be considered as part of emergency planning, not as an afterthought. At Companion Animals New Zealand, we made a submission on the Emergency Management Bill advocating for stronger consideration of companion animals, including identification and reunification of lost pets.

We welcome the progress made through the new Act, but now the focus turns to implementation - making sure these requirements translate into practical, effective arrangements for animals and the people who care for them before, during and after an emergency.

While not everything we advocated for is included, we look forward to working with government, emergency management organisations, local authorities and the animal sector to make sure the new framework delivers better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

Animals are part of our households, our communities and our lives. They need to be part of our emergency plans too.

Read our full article here: https://www.companionanimals.nz/articles/emergency-management-act-2026-what-does-it-mean-for-pets

31/03/2025

This conference is happening soon, book your tickets now so you don't miss out. It will be. It will be held at Massey University's Palmerston North campus in May and features internationally renowned presenters.

06/10/2024

Emergencies don't wait for good weather and neither do emergency response teams 💪
Shout out to all the dedicated people involved.

Rain or shine, our NZ Response Teams are ready to respond! 🌧️

As we wrap up for the weekend, we want to thank everyone involved for giving their valuable time to enhance our collective capabilities to respond to a major earthquake.

✅ 1x planned 36-hour hypothetical earthquake response practice
✅ 1x real M5.7 earthquake (unplanned)
✅>140x volunteers spending their valuable time practising their ability to support our communities in times of need

The spooky timing of this morning's earthquake couldn't be a better reminder of how important this training is (swear we didn't plan that one!) 🤯

Response to a significant earthquake, the scenario used for this weekend's exercise, requires everyone to pitch in. Our New Zealand Response teams are a critical resource to support communities in a disaster.

NZRTs are made up of community members just like you. They have day jobs and volunteer their time to give back to their community. If you know someone who is part of a response team, shout them a lil treat this coming week, they've had a big weekend 💪

Thank you vollies for your dedication. Ka mau te wehi! 👏 Safe travels back home! 👋

New Zealand Response Teams - NZRT
Wellington Emergency Response Team (NZRT8)
Victoria Rescue - NZRT7
NZRT-18 Hutt City Emergency Response Team
Upper Hutt Community Rescue NZ RT9
NZ-RT3
Auckland Response Team NZ-RT5
REST NZRT4
Bay of Plenty Response Team

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NZ Civil Defence
HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
Auckland Emergency Management
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence
Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui
NZ Defence Force
Wellington - Fire and Emergency
Wellington District Police
Wellington Free Ambulance
Wellington Water
Ministry for Primary Industries
SPCA Wellington/Wairarapa
HUHANZ
Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team
Animal Services Hutt City
Rapid Relief Team NZ
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington City Council
Hutt City Council
Upper Hutt City Council
Porirua City Council
Kāpiti Coast District Council
South Wairarapa District Council
Masterton District Council
Carterton District Council
Greater Wellington

Photo 📸 - Committed volunteers and partner agencies stand in the rain to pose for a group photo.

26/08/2024

Cat / Tree Rescue but when you don't have a cat.. or a tree 😄

20/08/2024

Thank you to the Lindsay Foundation for supporting us and enabling our team to continually train and certify our rescue skills.
A wee write up in the massey foundation newsletter about what we have been up to below.
If you would like to donate please follow this link and select VERT fund from the drop down list: https://foundation.massey.ac.nz/donate-online

06/08/2024

A great weekend simulating rescue scenarios with our rescue dummy-dog 'Rex'.
Putting to work our high angle rope skills in some pretty tough terrain and breaking in some new gear, safe to say Rex had a wonderful time being rescued from many cliffs (What an adventurous dude).

17/07/2024

⛑️⚠️🐎
Join us at the AEIM ANZ conference 8pm this Thursday!
Free online event, register using the link below - spaces limited.
A great opportunity to learn more about the world of animal emergency response. Your very own VERT will be presenting amongst many of our esteemed friends and associates in the emergency space.
We hope to see you there!

2. Case study: 'Salty goes swimming.' Colin Russell Acting District Manager Nelson Marlbourgh District Fire & Rescue NZ.

26/06/2024

Our thoughts are with the communities of the Hawkes bay and Gisborne areas as the bad weather prompts evacuations. We understand this could be a sensitive and worrying time. As always, VERT are on standby for any animal emergency rescue so that worrying about pets is one less thing on your plate. Kia kaha

09/03/2024

New recruits means new certifications!
The VERT team attending an evening of Swift Water theory with Rescue3's Nigel Seebek before we hit the river and put it all to practice.
Keeping up with certifications allows our team to operate under the safest conditions in what can be tricky or challenging situations and on top of that are a lot of fun!
Stay tuned for the action shots.

04/11/2023

A reminder to keep an eye on your furry, feathered and scaly friends this weekend as fireworks go off around the country and bring your animals in doors if you need to.
Look out for your neighbours' animals too and paddock mates and remember that VERT will be on standby for any calls about animals in precarious situations (though we hope we don't need to be).
Pic: Responder Tracie's dog Tui receiving special treatment tonight as she hides away from all the fizz-bangs in the neighbourhood.