Civil Defence alert systems being tested this weekend
Apps, alerts and some fixed sirens will be tested this weekend, as Bay of Plenty Emergency Management carries out their second alerting test of the year.
Director Clinton Naude said the focus for Sunday evening’s test is making sure that the systems and processes in place behind the scenes are all working as they should.
"Importantly, it also provides a valuable opportunity for the public to make sure they’re ready should an emergency occur," he said.
"If you have a smartphone and haven’t already downloaded the Red Cross Hazard App and set it up, I strongly recommend you do. The app is free, and there are instructions about how to set it up so it works for you on the Red Cross website – it’s an incredibly useful tool for keeping informed."
The app can be set up to monitor different locations and hazard types, and users only get alerts for the locations they are monitoring.
"This is a great feature if you have family living in a different part of the country," Mr Naude said. "You can set it up to get alerts for the Bay of Plenty, and if you have family living in Canterbury you can also keep an eye on what is happening there."
This weekend’s test will occur around the same time as the Ministry for Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) tests its Emergency Mobile Alerts.
"Emergency Mobile Alerts are another great tool that Civil Defence can use to keep the community informed in case of emergency, and the test of this system will be managed by MCDEM staff."
Also being tested this weekend will be fixed sirens in the eastern Bay of Plenty (Whakatāne, Ōhope and Ōpōtiki), vehicle mounted sirens in Tanners Point, and text alerts. The test will occur on Sunday evening.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
-
9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
-
43.4% I want to be able to choose.
-
47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
It's nearly Showtime in Rotorua!
2 for 1 ticket offer
Get all those new year jobs sorted with a visit to the Show! It’s all about idea’s, inspiration and exclusive show specials at the Rotorua Home and Garden Show on from the 20th - 22nd of February at Energy Events Centre. Join the fun with our 2 for 1 Adult Ticket Offer
There’ll be a huge variety Home and Garden Exhibitors, featuring everything from Kitchens, Artists, Builders, Landscaping, Heating, Spas, Flooring, Heatlh & Well-being and more! Add to that good food, great coffee and you have the perfect day out. Get your to-do list ready and we'll see you at the Show.
Save the date in your diaries: 20 - 22 February
Fri & Sat 10 – 5, Sun 10 – 4
Energy Events Centre, Rotorua
Adults $6
Gold Card Friday $3
Under 16 free
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
