29 August 2025
Nicole T
[FYI request #31884 email]
Reference: OIA-2025/26-0091
Dear Nicole T
Official Information Act request relating to the training and skills of those authorizing
an emergency alert
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) request received on 4 August 2025.
You requested:
“1. The governance and authorisation framework that applied on 30–31 July 2025,
including any delegations, decision trees, RASCI/authorisation matrices, and minimum
role grades that define who may draft, approve, and publish an emergency alert.
2. The competency and training requirements for every role with an authority to draft,
approve or publish an emergency alert. This should include mandatory and
recommended training and courses that individuals must complete, and detail of
whether there are recertification requirements
3. Copies of training records and competency assessments of all those in role on 30
July 2025 who had authority to draft, approve or publish an emergency alert (redacted
as required to protect individual identities), including dates that training”.
For clarity, the parts of your request have been numbered.
In emergency management, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has a
statutory responsibility to alert the public. Every decision to alert the public is based on best
advice available including scientific evidence, international best practice, the observable
conditions, and the life safety risks.
When NEMA received the notification that one of the most powerful earthquakes ever
recorded had struck and was sending tsunami waves racing across the Pacific, it was a
straightforward decision to alert people to help them stay safe. I can confirm that the alert
was issued in line with the existing protocol which you can find here:
EMA-Protocol-for-User-
Agencies-v1.0.pdf. In relation to Part 1 of your request, for clarity, there is no decision tree or other
documentation setting out a rationale for issuing the EMA in July 2025. Accordingly, this part
of your request is refused under section 18(e) of the Act, as the documentation does not
exist.
In relation to Part 2 of your request, the authority to draft, approve or publish emergency
alerts for NEMA is delegated by the Director CDEM to designated 24-7 staff.
Initial training for these staff includes bespoke in-house training in the EMA system which
includes sending simulated messages. The guidelines for sending EMAs for tsunamis is
Level 7, TSB Building, 147 Lambton Quay | PO Box 5010 | Wellington 6140 | New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 830 5100 | [email address] | www.civildefence.govt.nz
largely pre-templated based on the likelihood of coastal or land inundation. Staff must
demonstrate 100% competence in the system in order to be signed off.
After completing initial training, staff are assigned to an operational watch where they
continue to learn and practice sending EMAs through tsunami simulation drills based on a
range of scenarios. Watches typically complete at least one drill per week which usually
involves practicing the decision making for and drafting/sending of an EMA. Depending on
the role assigned and individual circumstances, each staff member will send one or two
simulated EMAs a month.
In addition to the watch-based training, all staff undergo re-validation in their role (including
the decision making and drafting of EMAs) every three months. This is done through
simulation drills assessed by external subject matter experts.
In respect of Part 3 of your request, I am refusing your request for the training records of
those staff involved in issuing this EMA under sections 9(2)(a) and 9(2)(g)(ii) of the Act to
protect the privacy of individuals and to prevent improper pressure or harassment.
More information on civil defence emergency management alerts and warnings are available
on the following website:
https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/get-ready/civil-defence-
emergency-management-alerts-and-warnings
You have the right to ask the Ombudsman to investigate and review my decision under
section 28(3) of the Act.
This response wil be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s
website during our regular publication cycle. Typically, information is released monthly, or as
otherwise determined. Your personal information including name and contact details will be
removed for publication.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Holland
Chief Advisor to the Chief Executive
National Emergency Management Agency
5096420
2
