A new way to let people know about an emergency is coming to a phone near you.
That's the message from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management which is leading the implementation of a new nationwide emergency alert channel.
A live nationwide test will be held on November 26 to check the new system.
Director of Emergency Management Bay of Plenty Clinton Naude said the alerts were sent using cell broadcast technology, so there was no need to sign up or download an app.
"They can be targeted to affected areas, so you will only get them if the emergency is in your area. This means if your phone is on, capable of receiving them and inside the targeted area, you should get the alerts. You can find out whether your phone has the required update and can receive the alerts at civildefence.govt.nz."