Your mobile phone will receive an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) this Sunday, but don’t be alarmed – it’s a test.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is conducting a nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system on Sunday 14 June between 6pm and 7pm.
This means capable mobile phones across the Auckland region will ring the distinctive emergency tone between those times.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says the EMA test doubles as a good prompt for Aucklanders to think about their preparedness for an emergency.
“Aucklanders have had real reasons to plan for an emergency over the past years, most recently in April, as Cyclone Vaianu bared down on New Zealand and an EMA was used to prompt Aucklanders to act and be prepared."
“Thankfully Tāmaki Makaurau escaped relatively unscathed from Vaianu, but I know many Aucklanders did the right thing and got ‘emergency ready’ by putting together grab bags and securing their properties.
“I urge Aucklanders to use the EMA test as a time to talk to whānau and friends about emergency preparedness.
“And if you’ve never had a kōrero about emergency prep – Sunday is a great time to start.
“Check the AEM website for tips and content about how to prepare for an emergency.”
The alert will be broadcast to all capable phones across Aotearoa. It allows NEMA to evaluate the system, cell tower performance, and the ability for mobile phones to receive the alert.
Adam Maggs, General Manager, Auckland Emergency Management says EMAs are one of several channels used by emergency management agencies.
“In an emergency event, an Emergency Mobile Alert will be broadcast to all capable mobile phones. News media and social media channels will be used to alert Aucklanders as well. You should also act on natural warning signs – if you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.”
The test also helps New Zealanders to familiarise themselves with what an EMA looks and sounds like, and how their phone presents the message.
Recent examples of Auckland Emergency Management using the EMA tool include during Cyclone Vaianu in April 2026, multiple times in 2023 during the January floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. Other examples of when Aucklanders have received an EMA include during the 2019 SkyCity Convention Centre fire (from Fire and Emergency NZ) and messages from the government to announce various Covid-19 lockdown and alert level changes.
More information about the EMA test and what to expect can be found on the Get Ready website.
About Emergency Mobile Alerts
Emergency Mobile Alerts, or EMAs, are cell broadcast messages. This means that when your mobile phone connects with a nearby cell tower, it receives the message.
It is not a text message and the agency sending the message does not have your mobile phone number. You cannot opt out of getting EMAs.
You can mute the sound of the alert with the volume button on the side of your phone – this leaves the message on screen for you to read in full.
If you have a hidden phone for your personal safety, or the sound of the alert affects your physical or mental health in any way, we recommend turning off any devices with a SIM connection between 6-7pm on Sunday 14 June, or putting them into flight mode.
Some devices can still make a sound when an Emergency Mobile Alert is sent, even when in silent mode. Switching to flight mode or turning off your device is the only sure way to stop the sound of the alert.
EMAs can be sent to a defined geographic area, like a region, suburb or group of streets, which means people in that area receive the EMA.
Find out who can send EMAs, what they are used for and more about how they work visit the National Emergency Management Agency’s website.