WASH Guidelines for Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are important determinants for the health outcomes of people and communities affected by an emergency. Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is at risk of a range of emergencies that impact WASH such as weather events, earthquakes, droughts, floods, fires, landslides tsunamis, pandemics, volcanic activity and, utility failures. Public health and WASH impacts have been felt because of major events such as 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. NZ has inconsistent messaging for WASH actions to be taken during and after an emergency. Very few regions have made attempts to address tikanga Māori perspectives with regards to emergency WASH planning, and there is little evidence of lessons learned to improve public health outcomes in the event of similar emergencies occurring. The development of WASH Guidelines was driven by the need for actionable priority steps for organisations to take after for WASH during and after an emergency. The intent is that any government department or community-based organisation could utilise these guidelines to determine what they need to do to set up locations in preparation for potential emergencies and establish robust WASH processes for emergencies. These guidelines were created through engaging with key stakeholders at various levels in NZ. Nationally consistent infographics and multimedia resources were created for communities and welfare centres, including maraes, to assist in minimising the public health risks associated with emergencies. Plans have been developed for the guidelines to be widely disseminated. Development of these WASH guidelines and accompanying infographics will ensure nationally consistent language and messaging are used during emergencies. The guidelines are expected to support improvement in the effectiveness of WASH response in NZ during and after emergencies. The development process and content of these guidelines and infographics could be adopted internationally. Key messages • Appropriate WASH guidelines create an inclusive safe environment for individuals. • Any organisation can utilise these guidelines to determine what they need to do to set up locations in preparation for potential emergencies & establish robust WASH processes to protect public health.