Stay informed in an emergency

In New Zealand, emergency management is often called ‘civil defence’. Emergency management organisations provide information and alerts in different ways.

Do not wait for an official alert

You may not get an official warning. Learn the natural warning signs and act quickly.

Trust your danger sense — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence)

Get alerts and information

During an emergency, you can find out what’s happening and what you should do through:

  • radio stations
  • civil defence websites and social media
  • television news
  • Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA)
  • emergency alerts in the Govt.nz app.

Learn more about the different ways to get alerts and updates:

Civil defence websites and social media to check in an emergency

Other useful websites and social media

Emergency management organisations

National emergency management

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is the government lead for emergency management in New Zealand. Depending on the emergency, they lead or support the response and recovery.

NEMA is part of a larger emergency management system. They work with central and local government, communities, iwi and businesses to help New Zealand prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

NEMA website

Local emergency management

Emergency Management Committees (EMCs) are responsible for providing civil defence information in your area. EMCs are made up of regional and local councils.

Find your local Emergency Management Committee — NEMA

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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