IFPA A-NZ Weather Event Resources

April 10, 2026

New Zealanders are bracing for a significant weather event with heavy rain and strong wind forecast over the weekend as Cyclone Vaianu nears.

Growers should be updating and implementing their incident management plans in preparation for the storm.

The following information shared by the Fresh Produce Safety Centre provides guidance and resources to growers on managing food safety risks during adverse events. This information will also be helpful growers in Australia including those in the pathway for Tropical Cyclone Maila which is expected to hit the Queensland coast early next week.
Food Safety Essentials: Flood Incident (FPSC)
Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls – Fundamental Guidelines C19 (FPSC)
Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls - Quick Guide C19 (FPSC)

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has also published helpful information for growers and New Zealanders affected by flooding, and other emergencies:
Flood recovery checklist for farmers and growers (MPI)
Dealing with floods (MPI)
Guidance for harvesting flood-affected produce for human consumption (NZ Food Safety - MPI)
Food safety in natural disasters and emergencies (NZ Food Safety – MPI)
Food safety in the home after flooding (NZ Food Safety - MPI)

This information has been collated in collaboration between Horticulture New Zealand, United Fresh, New Zealand Food Safety, New Zealand Food Safety Science Research Centre (NZFSSRC) and the Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC). Please reach out to any of these organisations, technical experts, industry bodies or regulators where needed for more information or support with food safety after the cyclone.

Prepare well and stay safe!

IFPA A-NZ Weather Event Resources

Additional Press