The Red Cross says the Pacific cyclone season is late but it is coming, and countries need to be prepared.
Spokesperson Andrew McKie said messages were being sent across the Pacific about how best to prepare for the six-month-long season.
He said it was not yet clear which countries would be hit first, but the Red Cross would be keeping an eye on Samoa, Tonga, Niue and other countries near the international dateline.
Mr McKie said the worst cyclones were expected from January to March, and the consensus for this season is that eight to 12 will affect the Pacific region.
He said Red Cross New Zealand had better access to communications and weather information than its Pacific counterparts, and it kept them informed about cyclone movements.
Mr McKie said Red Cross agencies throughout the Pacific had their own cyclone-response plans and limited supplies positioned to help with any recovery.