Historical emergencies

Many parts of New Zealand experienced heavy rain and severe gales as Ex Tropical Cyclone Dovi crossed New Zealand. The severe weather caused flooding, slips, downed trees, road closures and disruption to power and cellphone services.

A state of local emergency was declared for the Buller District on 2 February 2022 owing to severe weather expected to cause flooding in Westport.  Westport residents were advised to self-evacuate to friends and family outside Westport if possible and a mandatory evacuation order was issued for parts of Westport on 4 February 2022. The impacts of the severe weather were not as bad as initially expected and evacuated residents were allowed to return home on the morning of 5 February 2022. A second state of local emergency was declared for Buller District on 10 February 2022 owing to further rain impacts on the district. The state of local emergency was lifted at 4:15pm on 21 February and replaced with a notice of local transition period.

A National Advisory: Kermadec Earthquake being assessed was issued at 4:07pm on 29 January 2022 following a M6.6 earthquake (later revised to M6.4). The Advisory was updated to a No tsunami threat at 4:44pm.

A National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore was issued at 8:14pm on 15 January 2022 for the north and east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands following confirmation that a tsunami had been generated following a large volcanic eruption at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'pai in Tonga.  The Advisory area was updated at 9:40am on 16 January to include the west coast of the South Island. Tsunami activity was observed around New Zealand and caused damage at Tutukaka Marina in Northland. The National Advisory was cancelled at 7:06pm on 16 January following advice from GNS Science that the tsunami threat had passed for all areas. Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges continued for several days following.

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence declared a local state of emergency at 2pm 04 November 2021 for heavy rain causing flooding in the Tairāwhiti region. This was terminated on the following day.

A magnitude 8.2 earthquake near the Alaska Peninsula occurred at 6:16pm on 29 July 2021. The earthquake was assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency and a National Advisory: No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message was issued.

Heavy rain between 16 and 17 July 2021 resulted in flooding in Marlborough and Buller. The Buller River flooded causing significant flooding in Buller requiring wide-scale evacuations. States of local emergency were declared for Buller District on 16 July and Marlborough District on 17 July. The state of local emergency for Marlborough was terminated on 28 July and replaced with a notice of local transition period. The state of local emergency for Buller was terminated on 6 August and replaced with a notice of local transition period. 

A state of local emergency was declared for the Wellington City Southern and Eastern wards  on 29 June 2021 owing to a severe sea swell event affecting the Wellington South Coast. Evacuations were required on Breaker Bay Road. The state of local emergency ended on 30 June 2021.

A state of local emergency was declared for Canterbury on 30 May 2021 due to widespread flooding after heavy rain. The declaration was lifted on 3 June 2021. States of local emergency remained in place for Waimakariri, Selwyn and Ashburton districts from 3 June to 10 June 2021.

A magnitude 8.1 earthquake in the Kermadec Islands occurred at 8:28am on 5 March 2021. This was the second earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region that day following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake at 6:41am. These quakes followed an earlier magnitude 7.3 earthquake at 2:27am on the same day in the Hikurangi region. A tsunami warning was issued at 9:17am and evacuation of some land areas was required. An emergency mobile alert was sent to areas under land and marine threat. At 1:17pm, following advice from GNS Science that the largest waves had passed, the threat level wass now downgraded to a Beach and Marine threat for all areas which were previously under Land and Marine threat. At 3:43pm the tsunami activity advisory was cancelled following advice that the beach and marine threat had passed.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in the Kermadec Islands occurred at 6:41am on 5 March 2021. This quake followed an earlier magnitude 7.3 earthquake at 2:27am in the Hikurangi region. A National Advisory: Tsunami Activity was issued at 7:29am for the East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Islands to Whangarei. At 8:28am a second magnitude 8:1 earthquake occurred in the same area.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurred in the Hikurangi area east of the North Island at 2:27am on 5 March 2021. A National Advisory: Earthquake Being Assessed message was issued at 2:40am. At 3:28am a Tsunami Warning: Land and Marine was issued advising people to evacuate the East Coast of the North Island from Cape Runaway to Tolaga Bay. An emergency mobile alert was issued to the areas under land and marine threat. At 5:02am the threat was downgraded to a National Advisory: Tsunami Activity following advice from GNS Science that there was no longer a land threat. The National Advisory was cancelled at 6:01am following advice that the threat of strong and unusual currents and surges had passed. This earthquake was followed by two large quakes in the Kermadec Islands: a magnitude 7.4 quake at 6:41am and a magnitude 8.1 quake at 8:28am. 

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake southeast the Loyalty Islands occured at 2:20am on 11 February 2021. The earthquake was assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency and a National Advisory: Tsunami Activity message was issued.

A state of local emergency was declared for Napier City on 9 November 2020 due widespread flooding after heavy rain. The declaration was lifted on 13 November 2020.

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake south of the Kermadec Islands occured at 12:50am on 19 June 2020. The earthquake was assessed by the National Emergency Management Agency and a National Advisory: No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message was issued.

A nationwide state of national emergency was declared on 25 March 2020 at 12:21pm due to COVID-19 and was extended six times. The state of national emergency ended on 13 May 2020 at 12:21pm and was replaced by a National Transition Period. The state of national emergency covered all of New Zealand including the Chatham Islands, Stewart Island, and other offshore islands. The National Transition Period was terminated at 1.53pm on Monday 8 June 2020.

Visit covid19.govt.nz to get the latest information about Aotearoa New Zealand's response to COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself.

Widespread flooding in the lower South Island resulted in evacuations in Milford, Gore, Mataura and Wyndham, and extensive road closures across the Southland region.

A State of Emergency was declared for the Fiordland Community Board Area on 3 February 2020 owing to flooding in the Fiordland area. On 4 February States of Emergency were declared in for the Southland Region, including Gore, and for the Clutha District owing to widespread flooding. The State of Emergency for the Clutha District was lifted on 7 February. The State of Emergency for Southland ended on Tuesday 18 February and was replaced with a Transition Notice.

At 2:11pm on Monday 9 December 2019, Whakaari White Island erupted. The eruptions were short-lived and generated an ash plume to ~12,000ft above the vent. Forty seven people were on the island at the time of the eruption, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. A key focus of the response has been on supporting the victims, their friends and families and on recovery of bodies that remain on or in the vicinity of the island. 

• Links to key information for affected people and for people visiting the area.

A local state of emergency was declared in the Timaru District on 7 December 2019 due to flooding in the Rangitata area. The state of emergency was lifted on 13 December 2019.

Updates and advice about the fire at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on Hobson Street in central Auckland is available on Auckland Council's Our Auckland website:  https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2019/10/fire-in-auckland-central-city/

The beach and marine tsunami warning has been cancelled.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the magnitude 7.0 Kermadec Islands region earthquake at 10.55am.

Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the magnitude 7.7 New Britain Region Papua New Guinea earthquake at 12.58am 15 May.

Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.

A local state of emergency was declared in the Westland District at 1745hrs on 26 March 2019 due to severe weather.

For further updates please go to: https://www.facebook.com/emergencywestcoast

A state of local emergency was declared at 8.00am Wednesday 6 February 2019 in the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group area due to the effects of the Pigeon Valley Fire.

The state of emergency expired at 8:00 am, 27 February 2019.

A boil water notice was issued on Friday 1 February 2019 for Martinborough Township. An Emergency Mobile Alert was issued on Friday 1 February 2019 and again on Saturday 2 February 2019.

See https://www.swdc.govt.nz/ for more information.

A 7.6M earthquake occured at 5.18pm on Wednesday 5 December 2018 southeast of Loyalty Islands. A no tsunami threat national advisory was issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management.  

A National Advisory: No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message was issued at 3:39am on 30 October 2018 following a magnitude 6.2 earthquake south-west of Taumarunui, at 3.13 pm New Zealand time.

A National Advisory: No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message was issued at 4:04am on 7 September 2018 following a magnitude 8.1 earthquake near Fiji at 3:49am New Zealand time.

A National Advisory:No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message was issued at 11:03am on 22 August 2018 following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake near Vanuatu.

State of emergency declared for Rotorua (5:35pm Sunday 29 April) following flooding in Ngongotaha. Some evacuations and damage to residential properties occured.

The state of emergency expired at 5:35pm Sunday 6 May. 

Cyclone Gita - states of local emergency

Christchurch City Council including Banks Peninsula declared at 1430 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1130 hrs on 21 February 2018

Buller District declared at 1553 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1225 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Grey District declared at 1740 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1000 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Selwyn District declared at 1840 hrs on 20 February 2018 and terminated at 1500 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Westland District declared at 1900 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 0900 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Taranaki CDEM Group area declared at 1950 hrs on 20 February 2018 and terminated at 1200 hrs on 21 February 2018.

Nelson Tasman CDEM Group area declared at 1920 hrs on 20 February and terminated at 1200 hrs on 23 February 2018.

New Plymouth District declared at 1200 hrs on 21 February and terminated at 1100 hrs on 25 February 2018.

Local states of emergency were declared on 1 February 2018 for Dunedin City District and Buller District in response to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Fehi. All declarations were terminated by 3 February 2018.

Following notification of a magnitude 8.0 erathquake in the Gulf of Alaska, "National Advisory - Large Pacific Earthquake Being Assessed" information was published at approx. 11pm on Tuesday 23rd Jan. 

This was followed at approx 1220am by "National Advsiory: No Tsunami Threat" information with some additional messaging around the possibility of strong and unusual currents.

At 1112am on Wednesday 24th Jan, this was updated upon reciept of GNS advice that no wave disturbances would be likley in New Zealand.  

Emergency banner deactivated with Duty Team approval at 5pm, 24th Jan.  

A tsunami warning (beach and marine threat) for Chatham Islands, Pegasus Bay, Northern Coasts of Hawke's Bay and East Cape was issued at 2300 hours on 8 September 2017 following a magnitude 8.2 earthquake near Chiapas Mexico.

A no tsunami threat message had previously been issued at 1803 hours. While initial assessment was that there was no tsunami threat we were advised after further modelling that a beach and marine threat existed for the above areas.

The largest wave amplitude of 35-40cm was recorded at the Chatham Islands. Observations from tidal gauges around other sites of New Zealand have shown maximum wave amplitudes of 15-25cm. 

A cancellation message was issued at 1130 hours on 9 September 2017.

Local states of emergency were declared from 21 July 2017 for Canterbury (Selwyn, Christchurch and Timaru Districts) and Otago (originally Waitaki and Dunedin City Districts, then superseded by a region-wide declaration) in response to heavy rainfall and flooding. All declarations were terminated or superseded by notice of local transition period by 25 July 2017.

Cyclone Cook has passed many regions without significant impact from flooding, however a local state of emergency remains in place for the Whakatane District.

Whanganui Town Bridge river levels peaked at approximately 6am this morning at 7.4 metres, which means flooding concerns have receded for the district.

A state of local emergency has been declared for Christchurch City and Selwyn District in relation to the Port Hill fires. For latest updates please see the Christchurch Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchCDEM

Hawke's Bay Fires. Local state of emergency declared from 13 February 2017 to 15 February 2017.
 

A tsunami threat has been issued for New Zealand coastal areas following the 7.9m earthquake in papua New Guinea at 11.51pm NZ time. No evacuations are necessary at this stage. However, please stay out of the water and off the beaches following this evenings tsunami threat. Continue to follow the advice of your local Civil Defence and stay out of the water and off the beaches.

The potential threat for marine and beach areas has been CANCELLED following the 7.7m earthquake in the Solomons Islands at 6.38am NZ Time. We advise the public who intend to carry out activities in or on the water today, especially along the west coast of both the North and South Islands, that there could be strong and unusual currents for the rest of the day. Therefore, MCDEM advise people to stay out of the water.

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 7.2M earthquake off the coast of Central America at 7:44am NZ time (providing there is no significant change to the earthquake magnitude as assessments continue).

There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following 7.3M Honshu Japan earthquake that occurred at 10:00am NZ time on 22 November 2016.

A M7.8 earthquake occurred northeast of Culverden at 00:02 NZDT on Monday 14 November 2016. Strong to severe shaking was felt throughout New Zealand. Following the earthquake, tsunami waves were detected on the New Zealand Tsunami Gauge Network. MCDEM issued tsunami warning messages via the National Warning System from 01:00 until 15:00 NZDT on 14 November 2016, at which time the warning was cancelled.

Minor eruptive volcanic activity has been observed at White Island (Whakaari). The Volcanic Alert Level is now raised to Level 3, from Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code is changed from Green to Orange. The current activity is minor. GNS Science have advised that they are unsure of the implications for visitor safety and will be issuing a further Volcanic Alert Bulletin later this afternoon (3 pm).

National Warning: Tsunami Threat   Issued 0558 hours 2 September 2016 The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning for East Coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty) and Upper South Island. Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago. The first tsunami activity has arrived.  Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled. People in the above/ coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities  This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.   Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.     Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action via local radio stations. MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

National Warning: Tsunami Threat Issued 0558 hours 2 September 2016 The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.   Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago. The first tsunami activity has arrived.  Tsunami waves are expected to be observed for a couple of hours duration, based on current numerical simulations.  Waves are anticipated to be between 0.2-1m. People in the above/ coastal areas should: 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities) 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas 3. Do not go sightseeing 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities   

There has been a magnitude 7.1 earthquake 130 km north east of Te Araroa, at a depth of 55km, at 4.37am. Note that strong tsunami currents and surges are possible.  Please keep off beaches.  Listen to the radio / TV for updates.  

There has been a magnitude 7.1 earthquake 130 km north east of Te Araroa, at a depth of 55km, at 4.37am. Note that strong tsunami currents and surges are possible.  Please keep off beaches.  Listen to the radio / TV for updates.  

Issued 07:35 NZST 2 September 2016The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning (MARINE and BEACH threat) for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand including North Cape to Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel. Please Note: East Cape, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne have likely already experienced the maximum wave heights, these areas will still experience waves and currents