Historical emergencies

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

  Severe Wind Warning in place for the Bay of Plenty  Northwest winds are expected to strengthen overnight Saturday to Sunday. Winds may briefly reach severe gale with gusts of 120 km/h in exposed places from late Saturday night until dawn Sunday.  

Mt Ruapehu remains in a state of volcanic unrest. The temperature of the summit Crater Lake has declined slightly and is now 39 ºC, down from a high of 46 ºC. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 (moderate to heightened unrest). The Aviation Colour Code is also unchanged at Yellow. GNS Science volcanologists continue to closely monitor Ruapehu through the GeoNet project. The Department of Conservation have issued a warning to climbers and trampers on Mt Ruapehu, not to enter the Summit Hazard Zone on the mountain until further notice.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in the Vanuatu Islands at 0733 NZ time poses no potential tsunami threat for New Zealand.

The Volcanic Alert level for White Island has been lowered from Level 2 to Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code remains Yellow. The level of volcanic unrest at White Island (Whakaari) has declined following the eruption on April 27. Both volcanic gas output and seismic activity have decreased. Visual observations from a flight on Friday and seismic observations confirm no further eruptive activity has occurred. Volcanic Alert Level 1 indicates minor volcanic unrest continues.

There is no Tsunami threat to NZ following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake off the coast of Ecuador today at 1159 NZST

A state of local emergency was declared for Franz Josef at 2:00am on 24 March 2016 as a result of the Waiho River flooding. Westland Civil Defence has issued a boil water notice for the whole of the Franz Josef town water supply area. This will stay in effect until further notice as a safety precaution. The town water supply is secure for the main town area and work is continuing to confirm the integrity of the supply to the wider Franz Josef area particularly to the north of the Town Centre. There is currently no unbooked overnight accommodation available in the greater Franz Josef area. There is a Red Cross Welfare Centre set up in the town and on standby if needed. All state highways north and south of Franz Josef are currently open and all booked accommodation will be honoured unless visitors are contacted by accommodation providers directly. The Civil Defence state of emergency will stay in place overnight and will be reviewed at 9.00am tomorrow morning (25 March 2016).

Canterbury Earthquake: No Tsunami Threat. See civildefence.govt.nz for more information.

Media release 14 February 2016 Christchurch Earthquake The National Crisis Management Centre has been stood down following its earlier activation to monitor today’s earthquake in Christchurch. Sarah Stuart-Black, Director, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) says the response to this earthquake has been managed locally by Christchurch City Council. The National Crisis Management Centre was activated to monitor the situation and coordinate support across Government if it was required.

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

The MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning which affects the following local government areas: AUCKLAND CITY, WAIKATO and FRANKLIN. At 01:45 pm, MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near PUKEKOHE, DRURY, BOMBAY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, MANGATAWHIRI and MERCER. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the northnorthwest, and are expected to lie near PAPAKURA, HUNUA, MANUKAU, DRURY, ARARIMU, POKENO, MARAMARUA, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, MERCER and ARARIMU at 02:15 pm and near AUCKLAND, PAPAKURA, HOWICK, HUNUA, MANUKAU, SOUTH AUCKLAND, POKENO, HUNUA, DRURY, BOMBAY, MANGATAWHIRI, THE HUNUA RANGES and ARARIMU at 02:45 pm. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain and large hail. Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous. Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form on mainland Auckland today. Some storms may impact Waiheke Island, the Hauraki Gulf and Great Barrier but these are not expected to be as intense. Auckland will start to see showers forming soon, and thunderstorms between 2pm and 5pm, some of these these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**

MetService have advised that there is a HIGH risk of severe thunderstorms which may form in the extreme west and south of Auckland this evening. Some of these thunderstorms are likely to become SEVERE and they have potential to deliver rainfall rates of 25 to 40mm/hr. Hail between 10 and 20mm is also possible. Where thunderstorms form, surface flooding is likely and localised flooding of streams, may occur. Small localised tornadoes can be associated with severe thunderstorms. If you have to travel drive to the conditions. If driving, be ready to slow down or stop if it is safe to do so. **During and after a thunderstorm** - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows. - Avoid sheltering under trees if outside. - Beware of fallen trees and power lines. - Stay up to date with weather forecasts. - Report flooding to council on 09 301 0101. **Take the link below to find out what to do before a thunderstorm.**