Emergency services in Kawerau, New Zealand, are accessed by dialing 111 for all life-threatening situations involving Police, Fire, or Ambulance. For non-emergency police reporting, dial 105. Medical care is available at the Kawerau Medical Centre during business hours, while the nearest 24-hour emergency department is located at Whakatāne Hospital, approximately 30 minutes away.
Kawerau serves as a magnificent gateway to the Tarawera Forest and the wider Bay of Plenty. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor—perhaps considering a Relocation & Digital Nomad Lifestyle—utilizing the town as a “base camp” for outdoor adventure, understanding the local emergency infrastructure is vital for a safe experience. While Kawerau is a welcoming community, its proximity to dense forestry, geothermal activity, and swift-flowing rivers necessitates a clear understanding of safety protocols.
How to Use the 111 Emergency System in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the primary number for all major emergencies is 111. This is the equivalent of 911 in the USA or 999 in the UK. When you are in Kawerau, dialing 111 connects you to a central operator who will ask which service you require: Police, Fire, or Ambulance.
When should you call 111?
You should only call 111 in situations where life or property is in immediate danger. This includes:
- Medical: Difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, or unconsciousness.
- Fire: House fires, scrub fires, or smell of smoke in a building.
- Police: A crime is happening now, someone is in danger, or there is a serious traffic accident causing injury or blocking the road.
Mobile Coverage Considerations
Kawerau township generally has excellent mobile coverage across all major networks (Spark, One NZ, 2degrees). However, if you are venturing into the Tarawera Forest or towards the Tarawera Falls, signal can be patchy. If you cannot connect to your specific provider, your phone may still be able to use another network for an emergency call. If you see “Emergency Calls Only” on your screen, dial 111.
Note for International Visitors: You do not need a local SIM card credit to call 111; the call is free and will work as long as your phone can connect to any available cell tower.
Kawerau Police Station and Law Enforcement
The New Zealand Police provide a visible and reassuring presence in Kawerau. For tourists using Kawerau as a base camp strategy, knowing the location of the local station is helpful, though it is important to note that small-town stations are not always manned 24/7 for walk-ins.
Station Location and Contact
Address: 28 Islington Street, Kawerau 3127
Emergency Phone: 111
Non-Emergency Phone: 105
Using the 105 Non-Emergency Number
If you need to report a theft that has already happened (such as lost property or a car break-in where the offender is gone), or if you want to pass on information about suspicious activity, you should dial 105 or report it online at the NZ Police website. This keeps the 111 lines free for life-threatening emergencies.
Community Safety
Kawerau has a strong community patrol presence. Visitors should adhere to standard safety practices: lock vehicles when parking at trailheads, do not leave valuables in plain sight, and be aware of your surroundings at night. The local police work closely with community leaders to maintain a safe environment for residents and the growing number of tourists visiting the district, many of whom value a favorable Cost of Living Comparison for the region.
Medical Emergencies and Ambulance
Understanding the medical infrastructure is critical, especially given that Kawerau does not have its own hospital. The town is serviced by local GPs and St John Ambulance, with secondary care provided in nearby Whakatāne.
Kawerau Medical Centre
For non-life-threatening illnesses or minor injuries occurring during business hours, the Kawerau Medical Centre is the primary hub.
Location: 28-30 Islington Street, Kawerau (Near the Police Station)
Services: General practice, minor accident care, prescriptions.
After-Hours and Hospital Care
Whakatāne Hospital is the nearest facility with a 24-hour Emergency Department. It is located approximately 33 kilometers from Kawerau, which is roughly a 25 to 30-minute drive via State Highway 30 or State Highway 34.
- Whakatāne Hospital Address: Stewart Street, Whakatāne.
- Serious Emergencies: Do not attempt to drive yourself to Whakatāne if the condition is critical (e.g., heart attack, stroke). Call 111 immediately. St John Ambulance paramedics are trained to stabilize patients and transport them to the most appropriate facility, which could be Whakatāne, Rotorua, or Tauranga depending on the severity.
Fire Safety and the Volunteer Brigade
The Kawerau Volunteer Fire Brigade is a dedicated team of locals who respond to structural fires, vegetation fires, and motor vehicle accidents. Given Kawerau’s location adjacent to significant forestry blocks (managed by Timberlands and others), fire safety is paramount.
Fire Seasons and Bans
New Zealand operates under a tiered fire season system. Before lighting any fire in the open (including bonfires or campfires), you must check the current fire season status at checkitsalright.nz.
- Open Season: You can light a fire without a permit (safety rules apply).
- Restricted Season: You need a permit to light a fire.
- Prohibited Season: Total fire ban. No fires allowed.
Due to the commercial forestry surrounding Kawerau, fire restrictions are often strictly enforced in summer. A rogue spark can cause devastating damage to the economy and environment.
Civil Defence and Natural Disasters
Kawerau is located in the Taupō Volcanic Zone. While this provides the geothermal energy the town is famous for, it also means residents and visitors must be prepared for geological hazards including earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The Emergency Mobile Alert System
New Zealand utilizes a cell-broadcast Emergency Mobile Alert system. If there is a serious threat to life, health, or property, an alert will be sent to your mobile phone. You do not need to sign up for this app; it is automatic. If you receive an alert, stop what you are doing, read the message, and follow instructions immediately.
Geothermal and Volcanic Hazards
Mount Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) dominates the skyline, and while currently dormant, the region is active. In the event of a significant seismic event:
- Drop to your hands and knees.
- Cover your head and neck, and get under a sturdy table if possible.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
Civil Defence centres will be activated in Kawerau during major disasters. Listen to local radio stations (like 1XX on 90.5 FM or Sun FM on 96.9 FM) for official instructions on where to go.
Outdoor Adventure Safety in the Tarawera Forest
As part of the “Base Camp Kawerau” strategy, many visitors—often utilizing Kawerau Shuttle Services for Hikers & Bikers—head into the Tarawera Forest to see the falls or swim in the river. This remote environment requires specific safety preparations.
River Safety
The Tarawera River is swift and cold. While there are popular swimming spots, currents can change unpredictably. Never swim alone, and always check for submerged logs or rocks before jumping. If you are kayaking, ensure you have appropriate safety gear and are aware of the river grade.
Forestry Access
Access to the Tarawera Falls often requires a permit (available from the Kawerau i-SITE). The roads are active logging roads. Always give way to logging trucks—they are heavy and cannot stop quickly. Drive with headlights on at all times in the forest.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLB)
If you are planning deep bush walks or hunting trips where mobile coverage is non-existent, carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is highly recommended. In a life-threatening emergency, activating a PLB sends a GPS signal to the Rescue Coordination Centre, initiating a search and rescue operation via helicopter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the nearest hospital to Kawerau?
The nearest hospital with a 24-hour emergency department is Whakatāne Hospital, located on Stewart Street in Whakatāne. It is approximately a 30-minute drive (33km) from Kawerau.
Does 111 work in the Tarawera Forest?
Mobile signal in the Tarawera Forest is patchy. However, 111 calls can roam across any available network. If you have absolutely no signal, you will need to move to higher ground or drive back toward the township.
Is the Kawerau Police Station open 24 hours?
No, the front counter is not manned 24 hours a day. However, police are on duty in the district at all times. Always dial 111 for emergencies or 105 to report non-urgent matters.
What radio station should I listen to for emergencies in Kawerau?
In a Civil Defence emergency, tune into Radio 1XX (90.5 FM or 1242 AM) or Sun FM (96.9 FM) for local updates and official instructions.
Do I need a permit to visit Tarawera Falls?
Yes, access to Tarawera Falls is through a private forestry road. You must obtain a permit from the Kawerau i-SITE Visitor Information Centre on Plunket Street before entering.
Who do I call for a non-emergency health issue after hours?
You can call Healthline NZ for free on 0800 611 116. Registered nurses can provide advice and tell you whether you need to see a doctor immediately or if it can wait until morning.
