Get information in an emergency or disaster

In New Zealand, you can get help before, during and after an emergency or disaster from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and local Civil Defence Emergency Management groups.

In New Zealand, emergency management and preparedness is often called ‘civil defence’.

Local Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups

Local CDEM groups are made up of councils and territorial authorities. They are responsible for providing civil defence information for their local areas.

Note: Call 111 if life or property is threatened.

Find your local civil defence group

Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is the national coordinator for emergency information and advice, and helps with emergencies that are too big for a local civil defence group to deal with by themselves. They also help strengthen New Zealand’s ability to cope with hazards and disasters.

Get information

During an emergency, you will get up-to-date information about what’s happening and what you should do on:

  • the radio
  • television news
  • civil defence websites and social media.

Civil defence websites and social media

Civil Defence website — emergency status updates, links to other resources, and information for the public and the civil defence sector.

Civil Defence on Facebook — official civil defence information and advice on how to be better prepared for disasters.

Get Ready — New Zealand’s hazards and what to do before, during and after an emergency.

What’s the Plan, Stan? — resource for schools and teachers.

@NZCivilDefence —emergency and disaster updates.

@NZGetThru — learn about, and get ready for, New Zealand's natural disasters.

@NZCDEM — information and resources for people working in the civil defence sector.

Other useful websites and social media

GeoNet

Scientific information about seismic activity in New Zealand.

www.geonet.org.nz

@geonet

GeoNet on Facebook

Met Service

Weather forecasts, warnings and reports for the whole of New Zealand.

www.metservice.com

@MetService

MetService on Facebook

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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