Tsunami Evacuation Director's Guideline

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a nationally consistent approach to tsunami evacuation, including the development of tsunami evacuation zones, maps, and public information for Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups and local authorities.

The nationally consistent approach for public-facing tsunami evacuation zones is the use of one zone: the Blue Zone. 

This one zone approach simplifies public-facing tsunami evacuation zones, particularly in local-source tsunami, when risk to life is highest and there is not enough time for an official warning. This is different from previous guidance which used multiple zones. 

All existing tsunami evacuation zones, routes, maps and signs should conform to this guideline by 1 July 2031. 

This guideline should be used by CDEM Groups and local authorities for the creation of all new tsunami evacuation zones, routes, maps and signs from the date the guideline is published. 

Download the guidance

Evaluation of progress scheduled for 2027

The Director Civil Defence Emergency Management will conduct an evaluation to gauge the progress CDEM Groups are making in aligning with the new guidance. This evaluation will happen approximately two years following the release of this guideline (2027).

National Tsunami Evacuation Map

The public can find a consolidated map of all the current New Zealand tsunami evacuation zones on the Get Ready website. This map will be updated as CDEM Groups align with the new guidance.

View the National Tsunami Evacuation Map on the Get Ready website