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Outdoor tsunami siren testing will take place at 10 am on Sunday, September 28, coinciding with the start of daylight saving.
The recently upgraded network of more than 90 outdoor sirens is tested twice a year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami.
Northland Regional Council says regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk.
During the test, sirens will sound for around two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message: “Test only, test only. This is a test of the Northland tsunami siren network; no action is required.”
While the indoor siren network will not be activated during this test, residents with indoor sirens are encouraged to manually check their devices by pressing the test button, similar to testing a smoke alarm.
The old model sirens will not be tested and are scheduled for progressive removal following this test, provided no significant issues are identified.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group spokesperson Zach Woods says community feedback remains a vital part of the testing process.
“We received valuable feedback during the April test which helped us fine-tune this upcoming one,” Wood said. “We’ve made adjustments to ensure the sirens have time to complete their full test cycle and properly receive the activation signal.”
Technicians have inspected and resolved issues with sirens identified during the previous test, and the extended test duration will help confirm that all systems are functioning as expected.
Residents can provide feedback on the day via forms available on the Northland Regional Council website and the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page.
“Could you hear it? Was the message clear? Let us know.”
Woods said it was important to also recognise natural tsunami warning signs, especially in coastal areas where local-source tsunamis may arrive before any official alert.
“If you feel a strong earthquake that’s hard to stand in, one that lasts longer than a minute, or notice unusual sea behaviour such as a sudden rise or fall or strange noises, don’t wait for an official warning, move inland or to higher ground immediately.”
Siren testing is conducted every six months in Northland. To check if you live, work or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and to plan your safest route, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones.
| Local sirens are located at the following sites: | |
| Mangawhai Urlich Drive Park | Opp. 110 Moir St |
| Moirs Pt Christian Centre | 117 Estuary Dr |
| Mangawhai Museum | Cnr Thelma Road South & Molesworth Drive |
| Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park | 2 Mangawhai Heads Rd |
| Langs Bay | Cnr Wairahi Road and Cove Road |
| Waipu Cove | 801 Cove Road |
| Waipu Cemetery | Cove Road, opp. Riverview Place |
| Waipu Reserve | Opp. 69 The Centre |
| Uretiti DOC campground | 3149 SH1, Waipu |
| Ruakaka Beach car park | End of Ruakaka Beach Rd |
| Ruakaka | Cnr Tamure Place & Peter Snell Road |
