A wake-up call for New Zealanders, as extreme weather events become more common.

A National Emergency Management Agency survey shows only two in five Kiwis feel well-prepared for a disaster.

The 2022 Annual Disaster Preparedness Survey found while New Zealanders have a good understanding of natural disasters, it's not being followed through with action.

Communications manager Anthony Frith says the problem is falling into the trap of complacency.

"Whenever we have a large-scale event, such as the Canterbury earthquakes or the onset of the Covid pandemic, we see preparedness spike. Which is great, except it's the wrong way round. We'd like to see it spike before an emergency, not afterwards."

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