News and Events

The new National Emergency Management Agency will become operational on 1 December 2019. On this day all of the existing functions and staff of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management will transfer into the new National Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry will cease to exist.

The system, which is administered by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) on behalf of a range of agencies, is undergoing a nationwide live test this Sunday 24 November between 6pm and 7pm. Last year six in ten New Zealanders received the alert, and that number is expected to climb further.

Just over one year ago, the Government announced Better Responses to Natural Disasters and other Emergencies in New Zealand — its response to the Technical Advisory Group’s Ministerial Review recommendations. This update provides an overview of what’s been achieved so far in the Emergency Management System Reform and what’s on the horizon — both short-term and longer-term.

Civil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare says World Tsunami Awareness Day today (5 November) is a chance for all New Zealanders to learn more about the tsunami risk in our regions and the right actions to take to stay safe.

Labour weekend is a great chance to catch up on all those things you’ve been meaning to do around the house, from cleaning out the guttering to making an emergency plan.

'To sign is to be seen' is a new poster resource that provides tips for media, camera operators and media briefing organisers to help New Zealand Sign Language interpreters get important messages across.

Civil Defence Minister Hon Peeni Henare today announced that the Emergency Management Assistance Team has been established and is ready to be deployed to provide support in an emergency response.

The purpose of Kermadec Islands Earthquake Post Event Report is to provide an overview of the MCDEM response to the tsunami threat generated by a large earthquake in the Kermadec Islands on 16 June 2019. The report captures aspects of the response that may be improved and aspects that worked well.

The Tasman District Fire Response Post Event Report provides an overview of the MCDEM response to the impacts of the Tasman District fire from 5 to 27 February 2019. The report captures aspects of the response that may be improved and aspects that worked well.

The Review of Recoveries Report summarises the findings of the independent review of how recovery provisions of the CDEM Act supported the recoveries after the 2016 earthquakes and tsunami and the 2017 flooding in the Whakatāne District.

Note: this news item refers to the 2018 test. The 2019 nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert will be held on the evening of 24 November 2019. You should expect to receive a test alert that evening sometime between 6 and 7 pm.

A historic new agreement signed today will provide a nationwide boost to New Zealand’s emergency preparedness and response arrangements.

Note: this news item refers to the 2018 test. The 2019 nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert will be held on the evening of 24 November 2019. You should expect to receive a test alert that evening sometime between 6 and 7 pm.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is encouraging New Zealanders to have their say about the future of disaster resilience in New Zealand.

The tragic earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia is a reminder for New Zealanders of the importance of knowing how to stay safe in the event of a tsunami.

Civil Defence Emergency Management authorities and media are joining forces to ensure better access to emergency information for diverse communities.

In June Civil Defence Minister Hon. Kris Faafoi launched New Zealand ShakeOut 2018, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi (walk out), on 6 June at Wilford School in Wellington.

Deaf communities will have improved access to emergency information as the result of a new agreement signed today, says Civil Defence Minister Hon Kris Faafoi.

Now is a good time to think ahead about how Cyclone Gita might impact you and your household, and plan accordingly, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising the public.