Resources

Introduction

From time to time we all come across specific resources, ideas, devices and information which are likely to be of use to others in the prepping community. In some cases we may purchase items which we would recommend – or not recommend. Perhaps we have discovered a useful local source of supply. We may have built or modified something for our preps.

Here we hope to preserve snippets submitted by local preppers. As always, we would stress that all material is provided for information purposes only. We are not experts and have not personally tested any of the items or recommendations outlined here. Please be sure to read our disclaimer.

New relevant material is always appreciated. It is very helpful if you can submit similar information and detail to that displayed on this page. Including a photo where relevant is even more helpful. To submit, please make initial contact via our contact form. You will then be provided with an email address to send information + any attachments.

Quick Links

Products & Devices

Water Filter Straw

Seller's Description: Filtration removes up to .01 microns pore size of foreign substances in the water; filters 99.99% of particulate matter in water; delivers a high removal rate of sediment, waste and micro-plastics; no need for Iodine, tablets or chemicals; capacity of 1500 litres for each straw.

Used by Purchaser: No

Buyer's Comment: We already had purification tablets but, until now, no means of filtration. Certainly it is possible to make your own filters, but in an emergency situation you may not have the time or the facilities.  Appears to be similar to the well-known LifeStraw, but approximately half the price. Supplied in sealed clear package together with instructions and length of clear tubing.

Source: Trade Me

Price: $24.99 (August 2022)

Sleeping Bag Bivvy Emergency Space Blanket

Seller's Description: On hand and ready to ship; waterproof and windproof; interior reflects 90% of body heat; sealed seams keep out rain, snow and wind; ultra durable 26UM thickness stands up to multiple uses; whistle attached; 9-strand paracord drawstring; 7 feet long and 3 feet wide; packed size of 10cm x 7cm x 4cm;Total weight is only 4.4oz; ideal for having a couple in your vehicle or bag for emergency situations.

Used by Purchaser: No

Buyer's Comment: Am presuming this is basically a more robust version of a space blanket. While not possible to fit a full sleeping bag into the go-bags, the very compact sixe and weight of this item means it can be easily carried.

Source: Trade Me

Price: $22.99 (August 2022)

12 Volt DC Strip Lights

Seller's Description: 2X 72 LED strip light bars; 12v caravan, boat, camping, awning, tent, car interior; light color = white;  size = about 34.5cm(L) x 3cm(W) x 3.5cm(H);  LED;  4.5W; lumen = 800LM per light;  material = plastic ABS; performance is very stable; long life of 50,000 hours; super bright & energy saving; each light bar has 72 LED bulbs; easy to install (double-sided tape or supplied brackets + screws).

Used by Purchaser: Yes

Buyer's Comment: Purchased for 3 reasons: excellent price; built-in on/off switch (saves having to purchase and wire in a separate switch); extremely low power consumption but very bright output.

Source: Trade Me

Price: $19.99 for 2 lights (August 2022)

Ezywash Manual Rotary Washing Machine

Seller's Description: The Companion Ezywash Washing Machine is truly a wonder washer! Ideal for when camping without electricity or when your usual laundry services are not available. Also great for washing delicates such as woollens, silks, knitted and cashmere garments. The task of washing when travelling and camping is now made easy with the Ezywash manual washing machine. Featuring a wash capacity of 2.2 kg with a wash action which ensures that the dirtiest wash loads are cleaned easily. Once finished the tub is then emptied through the integrated drain tube fitted to the unit. Features: hand-operated design, portable, fast, efficient and environmentally friendly; sturdy, weather resistant, and rust-proof; made from durable and strong ABS plastic; uses far less water than hand washing; easy to use crank handle operation; easily washes a 2.2 kg load in minutes; requires no electricity, powered by hand - perfect for freedom camping; compact - use anywhere, anytime; easy to store.

Used by Purchaser: Yes

Buyer's Comment: Fast, and surprisingly effective. Even with a full 2.2kg load, the recommended washing time is only 2 minutes.

Source: EquipOutdoors NZ

Price: $129.99 (August 2022)

Kiwi Camping Portable Pressure Shower

Seller's Description: The Kiwi Camping Portable Pressure Shower is the perfect portable campsite shower. Unlike gravity camp showers that need to be hung overhead and produce dismal water pressure, the Kiwi Camping Portable Pressure Shower rests on the ground and delivers the pressure you need to wash hair, do the dishes, rinse off gear, water your plants, or wash the dog. Features: generous 12 litre capacity; lightweight, PU coate polyester and neoprene tubing; sits securely on the ground; press type shower nozzle for flow when you need it or lock the nozzle on for hands free operation; holds 5-7 minutes of water capacity; sturdy handle and protective strap prevents the fill port from opening when in use; ventilated storage and carry bag included.

Used by Purchaser: No

Buyer's Comment: I already had one to hang in a tree, which I have used, but this looked better.

Source: EquipOutdoors NZ

Price: $99.99 (August 2022)

Shewee Flexi

Seller's Description: Women of the world, you spoke and Shewee listened! From the makers of the original female urination device, the Shewee, now introducing the Shewee Flexi. A larger, flexible version of the original Shewee. Features: no need for toilet paper; don't squat - stand up and take control; avoid the filthy festival portable loos, and grim public toilets; reusable and lightweight; made from recyclable Polyolefin; use your extension pipe when wearing bulky clothing.

Used by Purchaser: No

Buyer's Comment: This is the ladies!

Source: EquipOutdoors NZ

Price: $16.99 (August 2022)

Suppliers

Trade Me

Pros: 

  • Often a wider selection than may be available locally.
  • Trade Me buyer protection (for non-delivery, goods not as advertised etc.).
  • Ability to peruse seller's feedback before purchasing.
  • Watch-list (email notification sent when item back in stock).
  • Several payment options available.

Cons:

  • An increasing number of business traders are drop-shipping from overseas (i.e. stock is not in NZ).
  • Buying is usually sight unseen. Some traders post generic promotional photos rather than images of the actual product.
  • Shipping delays; damage in transit; items incorrectly delivered.
EquipOutdoors

Comments:

  • The editor of this site does not have personal experience of buying from EquipOutdoors.
  • However, they have been recommended by friends in the prepper community.
  • Based in Hamilton.
  • Free NZ shipping for members and on orders (presumably for non-members) over $150.
  • According to website, "speedy delivery" and "easy 30-day returns" are offered.
  • They apparently also offer price matching and interest-free finance.
The Shopsite

Comments:

  • The editor of this site does not have personal experience of buying from The Shopsite.
  • Again, it has been recommended by friends in the prepper community.
  • According to information on the site, Shopsite started business in 2005 with a few electronic products. They now have over 91,000 positive feed-backs on Trade Me. Their aim is to provide the best quality products at the lowest prices.  They have a large range of car, phone and computer gaming accessories as well as security solutions for the home, office or business.
  • Shipping appears to be free.
  • They are based in Christchurch.

Websites

New Zealand Preppers

Most Kiwi preppers are not in fact preparing for the end of the world or a zombie apocalypse. Instead they tend to be ordinary Kiwis doing their best to provide a safe and healthy home and environment for themselves and their families. This appears to be a very comprehensive site, covering topics such as the Coronavirus, the Dakota fire pit, dogs, emergency toilets, the financial crisis, fishing, first aid, food, hunting and tarp shelters.

Update 10 September 2022: Unfortunately, when attempting to access this much-needed site, we are now seeing a message saying, "Sorry, hosting account for this domain has been suspended." As to why, we can only speculate. We have left the link on this page in the hope that New Zealand Preppers will again be available soon.

HB Prepper - Emergency Preparedness

This is the newly created site of the Hawke's Bay Prepper Blog. In-depth articles submitted to date include:

  • An introduction to Prepping and mid/long term food storage.
  • Shelter and Fire - the next 2 Pillars of Prepping.
  • Bug Out Bag and Contents.
Survive & Thrive - Resources for Living in Challenging Times

This New Zealand-based site was initially motivated by concerns about the potentially devastating effects of abrupt climate change and the likelihood of some form of global financial collapse. It has, however, evolved into a wider-ranging effort to also include useful information on such mundane topics as hemming a pair of jeans and using vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. All the content is ultimately aimed at providing resources to help you survive (and thrive) in increasingly challenging times.  And, lest we feel like jumping off a cliff after reading some of the news segments, there is even an attempt at humour.

NZ National Emergency Management Agency

"The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the Government lead for emergency management. We help build a safe and resilient Aotearoa New Zealand by empowering communities before, during and after emergencies."

Here you will find updated information on declared emergencies, the national mobile alert system, the Get Ready website, local civil defence groups and much more.

7 DIY Stoves You Can Build When SHTF

"Homemade stoves are an economical solution for preppers living off the grid. The good thing with these heating and cooking fixtures is that they are easy to craft from locally available materials in your backyard."

21 DIY Rocket Stove Plans to Cook Efficiently with Wood

"Are you worried that if a natural disaster happened, you won’t be able to turn on the stove and cook because there’s no electricity and gas?  Well, then you will be very interested in a rocket stove. A rocket stove is a small, portable stove that is very efficient. It is great to use for cooking when you can’t use your regular stove. If you would like to know how you can make your own, today we are bringing you a wonderful selection of DIY rocket stoves."

How To Build A Survival Shelter: 11 Simple Designs

"Shelter is your #1 survival priority (yes even more so than emergency food or water), so knowing how to make a survival shelter is something that everyone should know. Here we show you how to build a survival shelter with 11 simple designs that could save your life. Some require a tarp and some use only debris and wood that has been scavenged."

Preppers' Daily News

This US site appears to cover a multitude of topics.

Survival News

While there are nowadays many survival and prepping websites, this one is highlighted mainly due to its wealth of practical articles. Although it unfortunately does not offer a selection of categories and topics, it does feature a capable search box.

The Lost Herbs - with Nicole Apelian

Very few people still possess knowledge of plants and remedies. Soon these skills will be lost to history if we don’t do something about it. Dr Nicole Apelian is a scientist, mother, educator, researcher, expeditionary leader, safari guide, herbalist and traditional skills instructor. A leader in the field of transformative nature education, on this comprehensive site Nicole shares her knowledge and expertise of nature, wild plants, indigenous knowledge, natural wellness and survival skills.

Live Free Academy - John Bush

Describes ways to survive food shortages, inflation, and economic recession with the creation of parallel systems such as alternative currencies, local food production systems, and mutual aid networks. Many on-line workshops and webinars, some free.

Videos

Yes, we did promote this site as being mainly about free downloadable PDF resources. However, occasionally we discover some excellent prepping-related material that doesn't quite fit that mold. Such is the series of videos featuring Nicole Foss.

Nicole Foss is futurist, working on big picture issues and how they interact to form a whole. Her issues of primary concern include global finance, energy, environment, psychology, health and disease, and geopolitics.

A series of 5 new (mid 2022) videos has been produced by Voices of Freedom. The videos are intended to explore finance; the limits of energy, food, water, and soil; considerations and solutions at the individual, family, and community level; as well as the role of local government- all within the context of the Covid-19 response.

Each video is fairly long (approx. 90 minutes each), but they are packed with information. Although from Canada, it would appear that Nicole currently resides in New Zealand. Much of her information therefore directly relates to this country. Hence the Kiwi logos on the video buttons.

To keep up with the release of their videos, and register for webinars,  a visit to Voice of Freedom's Ready, Set, Prep! page is recommended. You will note towards the bottom of this same page that very handy PDF cheat sheets for Nicole's videos are also available for download.

For those unable to register and watch webinars live, many are also being uploaded to Odysee. The links are below:

Nicole Foss - Episode 1 - Finances (15 June 2022)
Nicole Foss - Episode 2 - The Limits of Energy, Food, Water & Soil (20 June 2022)
Nicole Foss - Episode 3 - Individual & Family Decisions (1 July 2022)
Nicole Foss - Episode 4 - Community Level Possibilities (4 July 2022)
Nicole Foss - Episode 5 - The Role of Local Government (13 July 2022)
The Power of Community - How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba’s economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half and food imports cut by 80 percent, people were desperate. This fascinating and empowering film shows how communities pulled together, created local solutions, and ultimately thrived in spite of their decreased dependence on imported energy. Very relevant for today's uncertain times.

Everyday Prepper

This is an excellent, relatively new site. Already it contains a wealth of information, demonstrations and resources. UK-based, most topics will no doubt have much wider appeal. As always, however, where relevant do check out local rules and regulations before proceeding.

The author has compiled over 50 videos about off-grid solar systems, homesteading, D.I.Y. and how current events impact daily life. Topics covered range from blackout readiness to self-sufficiency, together with various emergency scenarios.

Much of what he covers is aimed at those of us without a lot of spare cash to spend, especially those who are just starting their prepping journey.

As the author states: With many years experience in off-grid solar power and daily preparedness, I share insights for educational purposes. However, I'm not a professional expert. This content is intended to inspire, not as professional advice, but as a base for your own research and exploration into self-reliance.