Historically wildfires in New Zealand have been relatively small but frequent and predominately caused by human activities.  A 25% increase in wildfires was experienced in 2016-17 with larger wildfires occurring in close proximity to urban areas. Management of wildfires requires more than an understanding of technical and behavioural issues of fire and a corresponding emphasis on response. It is essential also to identify influences behind rural and rural-urban communities’ wildfire risk perceptions and to understand how to encourage complex, diverse communities towards better preparation for wildfires, with particular attention to indigenous Māori who are integral to New Zealand communities.