Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert
The nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert system is a necessary part of making sure the system works well. Find results and information about nationwide tests.
Annual test of Emergency Mobile Alert system cancelled
The annual nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system has been cancelled. The test was scheduled to occur between 6 and 7 pm on Sunday 22 November 2020.
In consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, and the potential for confusion, we have decided not to proceed with the test.
The annual test of Emergency Mobile Alert allows us to evaluate the system, cell towers, and the ability for mobile phones to receive the alert. The test also helps to familiarise the public with what an Emergency Mobile Alert looks like and how their phone presents the message.
As the Emergency Mobile Alert system has been used a number of times this year for local and national emergencies, including nationwide alerts for the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe the test is not necessary this year.
The results from last year’s nationwide test showed that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders received the test alert.
Find out more (getready.govt.nz)
Why we test of Emergency Mobile Alert
The nationwide test is a necessary part of making sure the Emergency Mobile Alert system works well.
The nationwide test is sent to cell towers all over New Zealand and we expect approximately three million phones are capable of receiving the alert.
In 2017 and 2018 we received thousands of feedback submissions from people which helped us evaluate and improve the Emergency Mobile Alert system.
The most recent nationwide test was held on the evening of 25 November 2018.
2018 independent survey results of Nationwide test
Following the nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert on 25 November 2018, MCDEM commisioned an independent survey.
The survey was conducted by interviewing 1000 New Zealand mobile users, aged 15 years and over. The survey was conducted immediatley after the 2018 nationwide test between 26 November and 9 December 2018.
The survey was to determine:
- The proportion of the New Zealand population who received the test alert
- Prior awareness of the Emergency Mobile Alert system
- Prior knowledge that the nationwide test was going to take place
- The public's perceptions of Emergency Mobile Alert system
- Whether or not the public believe the system should be optional
- Changes since the launch of the EMA system and test alert in 2017.
Read the 2018 Independent Survey Report (PDF 2.9mb)
Emergency Mobile Alert – 2017 independent survey results
Following the 26 November 2017 nationwide live test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system, an independent survey was commissioned by MCDEM.
1000 mobile phone users were surveyed nationwide to gauge the level of penetration of the test alert, people’s awareness of and attitudes towards the system, and to identify any demographic variances. The survey was undertaken by Colmar Brunton Research and is attached.
Overall, the survey findings show that the test met expectations, and that the public has a favourable view of the new system.
Read the Emergency Mobile Alert Survey Report - Dec 2017 (PDF 3.4mb)