Emergency Management Southland

14/06/2026

🚨 NZ Civil Defence have their Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system test TONIGHT between 6pm–7pm!!!!!

See this great video below to see how this EMA alert works! 📱👇

Southland District Council Gore District Council Invercargill City Council Environment Southland

09/06/2026

📢 EMA Alert happening this Sunday (6–7pm)

NZ Civil Defence has shared some helpful answers to the questions people have been asking about the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA).

Take a moment to check them out and make sure you know what to expect ✅

Invercargill City Council Southland District Council Gore District Council Environment Southland

08/06/2026

**UPDATE 12.39pm**

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.8 Philippines earthquake. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.

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An M8.2 earthquake has occured in the Philippines, NZ Civil Defence are assessing if it poses any tsunami threat to New Zealand.

If a tsunami has been generated it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 10 hours.

NZ Civil Defence will provide an update as soon as the initial assessment has been completed. Go to www.civildefence.govt.nz for the most up to date information.

The Government has introduced an Emergency Management Bill to replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. Learn more about the Bill.

04/06/2026

⚠️ NEMA's annual test of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) system will be sent on Sunday 14 June between 6pm-7pm to all capable phones and other SIM-connected devices ⚠️

This test makes sure the EMA system works as it should nationwide, and helps keep you safe during future emergency events.

Find out more about Emergency Mobile Alerts at https://getready.govt.nz/ema See less

29/05/2026

*UPDATE 9.00pm 31st May*

📢Metservice has cancelled their Severe Weather Warning for Southland however a Watch is now in place. See details below:

⚠️Situation
A trough embedded in a humid northerly flow is bringing heavy rain to northern and western parts of the South Island, and is expected to spread to areas of the North Island on Monday. Additionally, northeast winds may approach severe gale about parts of the North Island from Monday afternoon. Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as this is likely to be a significant weather event affecting large parts of the country.

Cancellations
🟠Heavy Rain Warning for Fiordland - Orange

🟡Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow
Area: Fiordland north of Charles Sound
Period: 27hrs from 12:00am Mon to 3:00am Tue
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
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*UPDATE 10.00am 31st May*

📢MetService has updated their Severe Weather Warning for Southland. See below for details:

⚠️Situation
A trough embedded in a humid northerly flow is expected to bring heavy rain to northern and western parts of the South Island from Sunday, and spread to areas of the North Island on Monday. Strong north to northwest winds are expected about inland areas of the South Island on Sunday. Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts, as this is likely to be a significant weather event affecting large parts of the country.

🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Fiordland north of Charles Sound
Period: 11hrs from 9:00am Sun to 8:00pm Sun
Forecast: Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.
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📢MetService has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Southland. See below for details:

⚠️Situation
A trough embedded in a humid northerly air flow is expected to bring heavy rain to northern and western parts of the South Island from Sunday, and spread to areas of the North Island on Monday. Strong north to northwest winds are expected about inland areas of the South Island on Sunday. Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts as the trough is likely to bring heavy rain to other areas of the northern half of the North Island from Monday and more warnings are likely to be issued in the coming days.

🟠Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Fiordland north of Charles Sound
Period: 12hrs from 6:00am Sun to 6:00pm Sun
Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain. Peak rates of 20 to 30 mm/h.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Visit MetService New Zealand for more information: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -south

29/05/2026

Heading away for the long weekend? 🧳🌦️

Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to make sure you’re prepared. A little planning can make a big difference if something unexpected happens.

✅ Check the weather forecast and road conditions
✅ Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back
✅ Pack essentials like warm clothing, food, water, and a first aid kit
✅ Make sure your phone is charged (and consider a car charger or power bank)
✅ Top up fuel before travelling to more remote areas

If you’re staying home, it’s still a great time to check your emergency supplies and household plans too.

Wherever you’re heading, stay safe, look out for each other, and have a great long weekend! 🚗✨

For more information go to https://getready.govt.nz/ or https://cdsouthland.nz/get-home-ready

14/05/2026

The Get Ready Schools Challenge is back for 2026!

This fantastic initiative is a collaboration between NEMA, National Hazards Commission, Fire and Emergency NZ, NZ Police, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance helping students build essential life-safety skills in a fun and engaging way.

What’s included?
Students take part in eight interactive activities to learn about:
🫳 Practising Drop, Cover and Hold
📱 Know contact numbers and addresses
🏠 Spot the difference in items that are fixed and fastened in an earthquake
🚓 Learn what different organisations do in an emergency
🧩 Complete a Natural Hazards word search
🎨 Draw a hazard that could affect you in your life
🔥 Create a fire escape plan with your family
🌊 Solve the maze to get to the tsunami safe zone

Be in to win!
🎁 There are 15 iPads up for grabs — one per region!

Winning schools will be connected with their local CDEM Group to receive their prize in person, creating a great opportunity to engage with students and share important safety messages.

We’d love your help promoting this initiative!

🔗 More Information: https://getready.govt.nz/involved/schools-challenge

📝 Sign up here: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/BA8C6F5E4296E9CA

Let’s help our young people get ready and stay safe 💙

Gore District Council Environment Southland Southland District Council Invercargill City Council

11/05/2026

🌬️📖 Were you affected by the severe wind event in October 2025?

Researchers are exploring how weather warnings were communicated, understood, and acted upon during this event.

If you experienced this event, your insights would be greatly appreciated! The survey is anonymous and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Gore District Council Southland District Council Invercargill City Council Environment Southland Southland Rural Support Trust

05/05/2026

UPDATE: May 7th 10.30AM

MetService Severe Weather Warnings for Southland have been cancelled however two watches remain in place.

⚠️Situation
A front moves north and stalls over the northwest of the South Island today. A rapidly deepening low approaches the South Island Friday morning, then crosses between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning as the associated fronts sweep across the North Island. Warnings and watches for heavy rain and strong winds are now in force for many areas. Please keep up to date with forecasts as more Warnings and Watches will likely be issued in the coming days.

Cancellations
🟠Heavy Rain Warning for Fiordland - Orange

🟡Strong Wind Watch - Yellow
Area: Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound
Period: 6hrs from 6:00pm Fri to 12:00am Sat
Forecast: Northerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

🟡Heavy Rain Watch - Yellow
Area: Mainland Southland
Period: 11hrs from 4:00pm Fri to 3:00am Sat
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria.
Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

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UPDATE: May 6th 8.15PM

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange 🟠
Area: Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound
Period: 15hrs from 8:00pm Wed to 11:00am Thu
Forecast: Expect a further 100 to 140 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially north of George Sound. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday morning with thunderstorms possible.
Note, another period of heavy rain is expected from Friday afternoon.
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Kia ora Everyone,

🌧️Some rain on the way for Fiordland

MetService Severe Weather Warnings for Southland

Situation ⚠️
A front moves northwards over the South Island during today and Thursday, bringing heavy rain to western and northern parts of the Island. Note, an active low pressure system is expected to move over the South Island during Friday and Saturday, bringing more heavy rain and possibly severe gales. Please keep up to date with forecasts as more Warnings and Watches will likely be issued in the coming days.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange 🟠
Area: Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound
Period: 21hrs from 12:00pm Wed to 9:00am Thu
Forecast: Expect 140 to 180 mm of rain, especially north of George Sound. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Thursday morning with thunderstorms possible.
Note, another period of heavy rain is expected from Friday afternoon.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -south

03/05/2026

🎉 Sweet 16! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating 16 years of Emergency Management as a shared service across our four councils — and what a journey it’s been!

From planning for the unexpected to responding when it really counts, this partnership has shown that working together makes us stronger, smarter, and a whole lot more resilient 💪

In 16 years we’ve tackled everything from storms to snow, learned a few lessons (okay… maybe a lot 😅), and proven that teamwork really does make the dream work — even at 3am in a Civil Defence Centre with questionable coffee ☕

A huge shoutout to everyone past and present who’s been part of the journey. Your dedication to our communities doesn’t go unnoticed.

Here’s to 16 years of collaboration — and many more to come! 🧡