NZ Civil Defence

NZ Civil Defence Official civil defence information and advice on how to be better prepared for disasters in Aotearoa

Official information from the National Emergency Management Agency. We are not able to reply to all individual comments and messages. For regional advice, follow your local Civil Defence Emergency Management group www.civildefence.govt.nz/find-your-civil-defence-group. TERMS OF USE:
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03/06/2026

📱 WHEN CAN AN EMA BE SENT? 📱

In advance of the EMA test on 14 June between 6-7pm, we wanted to answer some of your questions about how they work.

❗ The alerts will only be sent when there are serious threats to life, health or property. Or, in the case of Sunday the 14th, for test purposes.

💬 If you get an alert, read the message and take it seriously. It will tell you what the emergency is and what to do. It will also tell you which agency sent the message and, if needed, where to go for more information.

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

Kia ora whānau, Looks like quite a few people felt the M4.3 earthquake near Wellington tonight. Remember, DROP, COVER an...
02/06/2026

Kia ora whānau,

Looks like quite a few people felt the M4.3 earthquake near Wellington tonight.

Remember, DROP, COVER and HOLD is the right action to take during an earthquake. If you’re near the coast and the shaking is LONG or STRONG, then GET GONE.

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.

For more advice on what to do before, during, and after earthquakes, visit getready.govt.nz/emergency/earthquakes

Stay safe, whānau.

This week, we’re joining the Big Shout Out to celebrate the incredible volunteers who strengthen emergency management ac...
02/06/2026

This week, we’re joining the Big Shout Out to celebrate the incredible volunteers who strengthen emergency management across Aotearoa New Zealand.

From community response teams and Neighbourhood Support groups to marae, NGOs, and spontaneous volunteers — your dedication helps build a safer, more connected, and more resilient country. To every person who gives their time, skills, and energy: thank you.

Your contribution makes a real difference.

Kia oraHeavy rain is forecast for parts of the South Island today and the North Island from tomorrow (Monday).Stay updat...
30/05/2026

Kia ora

Heavy rain is forecast for parts of the South Island today and the North Island from tomorrow (Monday).

Stay updated through https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home and your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group pages.

If you’re travelling this long weekend in areas under weather warnings drive to the conditions.

Remember, never try to walk, swim, drive, or play in flood water.

If you see rising water, head for higher ground immediately - don't wait for an alert on your phone.

Landslides are a risk not just during heavy rainfall, but in the days and weeks after. Trust your danger sense - if you suspect that a landslide is about to occur, get away immediately.

Stay safe whānau

29/05/2026

⚠️ Our 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.

❗ If you have a hidden phone for your personal safety, or the sound of the alert affects your physical or mental health in any way, we recommend turning off any devices with a SIM connection between 6-7pm on Sunday 14 June, or putting them into flight mode.

👉📱 You can mute the sound of the alert by pressing the volume button on the side of your phone – this mutes the sound of the EMA while leaving the message on screen for you to read in full.

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

27/05/2026

Some emergencies reach you faster than an official warning can.

That's why it's important to learn the natural warning signs of an emergency and trust your danger sense when you see them.

Learn the natural warning signs of tsunami at getready.govt.nz/tsunami

What would you do if you had no water for three days or more? How would you wash, cook, clean? What would you drink?In a...
25/05/2026

What would you do if you had no water for three days or more? How would you wash, cook, clean? What would you drink?

In an emergency water supplies could be affected. If you can, keep at least a three day supply of water. You'll need at least 3 litres of drinking water per person, per day. That's 9 litres per person for the three days.

You should store more if you can, children, nursing mothers and people who are ill will need more, and remember to include drinking water for your pets.

For more information about storing water for an emergency visit getready.govt.nz/storing-water

New Zealand is on the Ring of Fire, which contains about 90% of the Earth’s active volcanoes. There are 11 active volcan...
21/05/2026

New Zealand is on the Ring of Fire, which contains about 90% of the Earth’s active volcanoes. There are 11 active volcanic areas in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, the most widespread and disruptive volcanic hazard is ash.

If you are at risk from volcanic ash fall, there are some extra things you can add to your supplies:
🌋 Certified disposable dust masks (rated P2 or N95) and goggles
🌋 Plastic wrap or plastic sheeting (to keep ash out of electronics)
🌋 Cleaning supplies including an air duster, a broom, a shovel, and a vacuum cleaner with spare bags and filters
🌋 Heavy-duty plastic bags to dispose of ash

Find out what to do before, during and after volcanic activity at getready.govt.nz/volcanic-activity

In most emergencies, it’s best to stay in your own home if it is safe to do so. But that may mean being without power an...
19/05/2026

In most emergencies, it’s best to stay in your own home if it is safe to do so. But that may mean being without power and water or any way to get supplies for three days or more.

Have a prep talk with your whānau so that you all have a plan if you're stuck at home. Visit getready.govt.nz/stuck-at-home for some tips to get you started.

The Get Ready Schools Challenge is back for 2026!We've worked with the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, Fire and ...
13/05/2026

The Get Ready Schools Challenge is back for 2026!

We've worked with the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, Fire and Emergency NZ, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance to create eight new fun and engaging activities to help our tamariki be prepared:

⬇️ Learn and practise how to Drop, Cover and Hold.
📱 Know their important phone numbers and addresses.
🔎 Spot the difference to find items that have been fixed and fastened for an earthquake.
📖 Learn what different organisations do in an emergency.
✏️ Complete a New Zealand hazards word search.
🎨 Draw a hazard that could impact where they live.
🧯 Create a home fire escape plan.
🧭 Solve a maze to get out of a tsunami evacuation zone.

Plus, your child could win an iPad for taking part - but only if their school signs up at https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/9360610768C7DC5C

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