Canterbury's Civil Defence is reminding people to check that their emergency supplies are fully stocked as bad weather is forecast for the region.
Regional group controller Neville Reilly says people should take the opportunity to stock up on essential items in case of power outages or travel interruptions.
In previous years, heavy snow has led to road closures and power cuts, affecting large parts of the South Island region.
A fall in June last year cut power to thousands of homes, left many roads impassable and disrupted flight services.
Mr Reilly says people need to be prepared now for the possibility that winter could again bring hazardous weather conditions and everyone should have the necessities to be self-sufficient for three days.
