Latest fromMinistry of Civil Defence
Northlanders to prepare for emergencies
Northlanders are being urged to 'get ready' ahead of a national civil defence preparedness week in the wake of a series of storms which have battered the region this year.
Few fuel stops crisis-ready
Auckland has only 10 service stations wired up to provide fuel to emergency services quickly if electricity is cut in a natural disaster.
NZ coast exposed to greater tsunami risk
A large tsunami generated very close to the coast of New Zealand would arrive before warning sirens could be activated, a new report has found.
Are we ready for the big one?
As they did on the afternoon of March 17, tens of thousands of Aucklanders take to Facebook and Twitter to express their amazement that their seemingly quake-free city has had a rumble.
Plan released to strengthen the role of Civil Defence
An inter-agency plan was released today to strengthen the role of Civil Defence, so it can better respond to civil emergencies such as the Christchurch earthquake.
Bob Parker: My earthquake story
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker doesn't pull any punches in a personal account of the earthquakes that rocked his city.
Chch quake response 'effective' - review
Emergency services responded rapidly and worked well together during the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch last year, an independent review has concluded.
Disaster alerts on phones
Free Auckland Civil Defence application now available to smartphone users.
Authorities defend volcano response
Locals have criticised the response to last night's Tongariro eruption as too slow but authorities have defended their procedures, saying they quickly established there was no immediate risk and put plans in place.
Volcano ash may have toxic traces
Rotoaira local David Bennett was concerned by the lack of communication between the authorities and National Park residents when Mt Tongariro erupted about 4km from his home last night.
Tongariro volcanic alert maintained
The aviation colour code around Mt Tongariro has been downgraded from red to orange, but the volcanic alert level remains at 2.
A volcanic reminder to sleepy Kiwis
News of Tongariro's eruption sparked a flurry of activity by Kiwis who have been awake into the early morning.
Tsunami warning signals to be tested in Auckland
Tsunami warning sirens will go off in parts of Auckland today.