NEMA urges Kiwis to GTFO

A Civil Defence campaign promoting flood safety will urge Kiwis to Get The Flood Out, following weeks of severe weather that have ravaged parts of New Zealand.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says the “GTFO” campaign warns people about the dangers of flood water. The campaign will be rolled out nationwide across online media, and features an exuberant voiceover from iconic Kiwi broadcaster Dougal Stevenson.

“Over the past fortnight, we’ve had our three main centres, along with other areas such as Northland, hit hard by severe weather which has caused widespread flooding,” Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price says.

“Unfortunately people keep entering floodwater and getting themselves in strife. It’s a recipe for tragedy. Floodwaters can kill.”

Floods are Aotearoa’s number one hazard in terms of frequency and damage, and they can also be very dangerous. Fifteen people lost their lives to flooding in 2023’s North Island severe weather events, and there are reports of people being rescued from floodwaters in the most recent events. 

“Floodwater can contain sewage, toxic chemicals and hidden debris. It can drown you or pick up your vehicle with you in it.

Mr Price says GTFO is an attention-grabbing campaign that will remind Kiwis to Get The Flood Out by steering clear of flood water.

“If you find yourself in rising waters, get to higher ground immediately. Don’t wait for an official warning.

“Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles.”

Mr Price said the campaign also warned people not to let kids play in flood water.

“While it may seem like fun after a big dumping of rain, flood water is never safe for kids to play in.”

Mr Price said his thoughts are with impacted communities after the recent severe weather events. 

“These events have been really disruptive, but have also brought out the best in us – communities working together, from Civil Defence, council, emergency services and utilities contractors through to volunteers, iwi and neighbours helping neighbours.”

The GTFO campaign will be supported by NEMA’s “Prep Talk” campaign, which promotes households taking simple, practical steps to get prepared for an emergency.

For tips on about getting ready for storms and floods, visit getready.govt.nz. For the latest weather forecasts and warnings, visit metservice.com.  

Published: May 2, 2025, 4:36 PM