Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert

The nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert will take place on Sunday 22 May 2022 between 6pm and 7pm.

What is Emergency Mobile Alert?

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorised emergency agencies to capable mobile phones. The alerts are designed to keep people safe and are broadcast to all capable phones from targeted cell towers.

The alerts are targeted to areas affected by serious hazards and will only be sent when there is a serious threat to life, health or property, and, in some cases, for test purposes.

Check if your phone is capable

To get Emergency Mobile Alerts you need a phone capable of receiving Emergency Mobile Alerts. The phone also needs to have cell reception and up-to-date software. You don’t have to download an app or subscribe to a service.

Check if your phone is able to receive Emergency Mobile Alerts. If your phone is on the list, ensure the phone is updated to the latest available operating system.

To check your phone is capable - got to here 

Don't want to be disturbed?

If you do not want to be disturbed, please turn your phone off or switch it to Flight Mode during the test period.

Your phone needs to have an active connection to the mobile network. You won't receive the Emergency Mobile Alert if your phone is off or in Flight Mode.

Emergency Mobile Alert may override Do Not Disturb and Silent Modes.

Give feedback about Emergency Mobile Alert

After the national test, you can give us feedback about Emergency Mobile Alert. Information collected in this survey is used to make ongoing improvements to the alerting platform, which is used to keep people in New Zealand safe. Go to here

For more information click here