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NEMA Emergency Mobile Alert test "not just a meme" despite accidental 6-7 reference

Source: National Emergency Management Agency

The National Emergency Management Agency has expressed dismay that its annual Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) test – which will take place on 14 June from 6-7pm – has inadvertently reawakened a meme which many hoped was waning in popularity.
“NEMA shared information about the day and time of this year’s test on social media – only to receive a host of messages just saying ‘6-7’,” NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said.
“We’re pleased that young people are showing an interest in NEMA’s content and our annual EMA test – although we understand some parents may be less delighted by their children’s renewed enthusiasm for the 6-7 meme.”
The EMA system provides critical information to people in New Zealand when emergencies in their area pose a threat to life, health or property.
In an emergency, it can be used by NEMA, Civil Defence and emergency services to send geotargeted alerts to all cellular handsets in a selected area.
“This is a valuable life safety tool to keep our communities safe,” John Price says.
This year marks the ninth year of NEMA’s annual tests, which consistently show around 90 per cent of people in New Zealand either receive the test message, or are with someone else who receives it.
In the past 12 months, the system has sent 66 EMAs – meaning Sunday’s test may well be the 67 th.
While it is an important channel for NEMA, John Price says it’s only one of many ways to alert people.
“In an emergency, we need people to listen to the radio and trust their ‘danger sense’ – and take immediate action if they feel unsafe. This is our greatest tool to keep safe.
“This weekend, there’s no need to take action if you get the alert, but it’ll help you remember what to do when a message appears on your device.
“Our top tip: press the volume button to mute the sound when one comes in. This leaves the message on screen for you to read in peace.
“So be ready for the alert between 6 and 7 this Sunday – and remind your whānau this isn’t just a meme, but a good reminder to get prepared.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
NEMA’s annual EMA test will take place on 14 June 2026 between 6 and 7 pm. More information about the EMA system and why we test it can be found here: Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert – Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) – Emergency preparedness in New Zealand
The “6-7” meme became popular in 2025 and more detail about it can be found here: 6-7 – Wikipedia.
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New Zealanders place growing importance on Asia ties amid global uncertainty – Asia NZ Foundation

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation 

New Zealanders place growing importance on Asia ties amid global uncertainty.
The latest Perceptions of Asia 2026 survey shows New Zealanders feel more connected to Asia than ever. Amid a more challenging geopolitical environment, New Zealanders are looking increasingly to countries in Asia to build deeper political, economic, and social ties.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono’s 29th annual Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey shows New Zealanders continue to see Asia as crucial to New Zealand’s future. Eighty-one percent of New Zealanders say developing ties with the peoples and countries of Asia is important, with 39 percent saying it is very important.
“New Zealanders continue to recognise that the Asia region matters deeply to New Zealand’s future,” says Suzannah Jessep, Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. “The findings show a public that understands the importance of building strong, informed and longstanding relationships in Asia, whether it’s for trade, investment, and economic growth, or navigating an increasingly interconnected and complex regional environment.”
The 2026 survey presents the views of 2,300 New Zealanders aged 15 years and over and was conducted between 21 January and 18 February 2026. The results provide insights into New Zealanders’ connections to and perceptions of Asia, helping inform public dialogue, policymaking, and the Foundation’s work to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia.
While North Asia remains the sub-region most widely seen as critical to New Zealand’s future, attitudes are beginning to shift. New Zealanders are increasingly recognising the growing significance of South Asia, including India, with half now viewing it as important to the country’s long-term prospects. However, despite this rising awareness, self-reported knowledge of South Asia continues to lag well behind that of other Asian sub-regions.
This growing recognition of Asia's importance is accompanied by a more cautious assessment of the major powers shaping the region. Sentiment towards the United States has cooled significantly since the last survey, with friend perceptions (countries that New Zealanders trust and feel warmth towards) falling from 61 percent to 39 percent. For China, sentiment has warmed slightly, but from a fairly low base. In 2026, 43 percent of New Zealanders see China as friendly, up from 38 percent in the Foundation’s 2025 report.
Japan continues to be seen as New Zealand’s closest friend in Asia, closest defence and security partner, and most trusted power in Asia, surpassing New Zealanders' trust in the United Kingdom for the first time. Singapore is the next most trusted power in Asia and is seen as the Asian country most like-minded to New Zealand.
“We continue to see strong public warmth towards Japan and Singapore, alongside a more nuanced understanding of the different roles countries across Asia play in New Zealand’s future,” says Dr Julia Macdonald, Director Research and Engagement at the Foundation.
New Zealanders are optimistic about Asia's broader impact on New Zealand, particularly in technology, tourism, economic growth, and investment. More than 70 percent of New Zealanders expect each of these areas to have a positive impact on New Zealand in the coming decade.
The survey also shows how important travel, entertainment, and sports are to building deeper connections with Asia. In the year to January 2026, travel to Asia increased by 14 percent, while the enthusiasm for Asia-related entertainment, especially TV and film, is strong across genres. Overall, 60 percent of New Zealanders now say they feel connected to Asian cultures in their daily lives, an increase of four percent from last year.
“These findings show New Zealanders’ connections with Asia go beyond politics and economics. They are also cultural, personal, and part of everyday life,” says Jessep. “That depth of connection matters as New Zealand continues to navigate its place in a dynamic region.”
Full report is available on the Foundation’s website.
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Health and Police – 15-minute handovers of mental health patients unsafe – Medical Specialists

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

Emergency specialists say proposed 15-minute police handovers for people in mental distress would be clinically unsafe.
“This change would represent a fundamental failure by police to perform their core task, which is keeping the community safe,” ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton says.
“EDs are hectic places, full of very sick, very vulnerable people. Adding unmanaged mental health patients into the mix will make them less safe.
“This reeks of disdain and abandonment for people in distress and people on the margins.”
ASMS ran a survey of specialists who work in ED and an overwhelming majority (88%) said it would not be clinically appropriate to have a 15-minute capped handover by police.
Of the small minority (12%) who thought it was clinically appropriate, 84% said their ED did not have the staff, systems or facilities to safely accept patients this way.
“We ran this survey because no one was asking the health professionals on the front line about this and considering their views,” Dalton says.
“ED specialists have made it really clear to us that they don’t believe this change would work.
“We urge police to reconsider this plan in the interests of public safety.”
Notes:
The proposed change to 15-minute capped handovers represents Phase Four of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme.
The ASMS survey results were based on responses from 156 members. The survey ran over King’s Birthday weekend. Results were shared with Health New Zealand.
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Universities – Antarctic surface melt set to increase dramatically this century, new study finds

Source: Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington

 

New research shows surface melting across Antarctica is set to intensify and spread dramatically over the 21st century, with melt increasing by 10 times and the area affected growing by more than 10 percent by 2100 if global temperatures continue to rise. 

 

The study, led by researchers from the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, highlights the rising risks for Antarctica’s ice shelves as the climate warms. 

 

“Our findings show Antarctic surface melting is not only increasing but spreading into new parts of the continent. This trend will continue if we keep doing business as usual. Just to stabilise melt at current levels, significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions will likely be needed,” said study co-author Professor Nicholas Golledge, a climate scientist at the university.

 

The study used climate models to predict how much surface ice would melt under different emissions scenarios. Results showed a stark difference between low- and high-emissions futures.

 

“Under a scenario in which global temperatures rise by approximately 3.5 to 4°C above pre-industrial levels, increased surface melting around the continent will leave ice shelves much more vulnerable to rapid collapse and sea-level rise. In an extreme scenario where warming rises above 4°C, the risk of rapid collapse becomes even more pronounced,” said Professor Golledge.

 

Modelling showed temperature rises of about 3.5 to 4°C would likely see future surface melt extend southward into regions that have historically been largely unaffected, with an additional 1.58 million km² estimated to experience melting by 2100. 

 

Under medium- and high-emissions scenarios, melt rates would continue to accelerate and remain well above current levels by the end of the century.

 

Results showed only a low-emissions pathway would be likely to stabilise future melt at present-day levels. Under this pathway, increases in global average temperatures would need to be well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. 

 

“These findings underscore the urgency of reducing emissions. Strong mitigation could stabilse melt, while weaker action leaves Antarctica exposed to rapidly escalating change. We know sea-level rise resulting from ice-sheet collapse would have major implications for coastal communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Given our long coastline, we’re particularly vulnerable to rising seas,” said Professor Golledge.

 

Expanding surface melt would not only affect the stability of the Antarctic ice shelves but would also likely result in other ecosystem changes.

 

“Surface melting increases water availability in summer, which may alter surface conditions. One flow-on effect is the new opportunities this could create for colonisation by invasive species in parts of the continent,” he said.  

 

The study is published in the journal Nature Communications. The work was funded by a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship from the Royal Society of New Zealand—Te Apārangi. 

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Children surviving on leaves and water lilies as conflict drives parts of South Sudan to the brink of famine – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

Families and children in South Sudan’s eastern Jonglei state are surviving on leaves and water lilies as hunger surges towards famine levels in parts of the country following three months of escalating violence, Save the Children said.
Many families in Jonglei state have been left without essential and life-saving services since an escalation in violence in March led to the suspension of aid operations in areas and government orders to aid agencies to evacuate, triggering mass displacement.
Save the Children suspended its humanitarian operations in Akobo East – a refuge for people fleeing violence across Jonglei – and relocated staff due to increased violence.
The withdrawal of services followed a similar suspension of operations in February in Walgak in Jonglei after armed gangs looted and vandalized a Save the Children office, destroyed a healthcare centre, and took three of the organisation's vehicles.
Save the Children staff working in neighbouring counties have reported hearing horrific stories of families going without humanitarian aid while flooding worsens.
In some parts of the state, families and children are surviving on leaves and water lilies collected from swamps and seeds reserved for planting, while mothers walk for hours through floodplains to find anything edible for their children.
Save the Children said thousands of children are no longer attending school, while others are being forced into labour or early marriage as families struggle to survive. In areas where schools remain accessible, some children have stopped attending because they are too weak from hunger.
The extreme coping mechanisms come as the latest analysis by the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) – the leading global authority on the severity of hunger crises – showed that four counties, including Nyirol and Akobo in Jonglei state, are at risk of famine.
According to the IPC, more than 7.8 million people – or six in 10 people in South Sudan – are facing acute food insecurity. About 2.2 million children under five require treatment for acute malnutrition-an increase of around 90,000 cases since the previous analysis. Nearly 700,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition – the deadliest form of hunger that requires urgent medical attention and specialised treatment.
Health workers have reported children arriving at nutrition centres severely malnourished after surviving for weeks on diluted porridge or a mix of salt and flour.
This deteriorating situation has become evident at a nutrition site at Bor Hospital in Jonglei state’s Bor County, where Save the Children operates three different programmes helping to screen and treat malnourished children and breastfeeding or pregnant mothers. Tabisa Ajer, 31, a health care worker at the hospital said:
“We have over 60 children who are severely malnourished right now. Usually, we have 60 later in the wet season when malnutrition tends to spike but the number is high for this early on. The numbers have spiked due to the season and the worsening hunger crisis, flooding and insecurity. A lot of children coming here have diarrhea and vomiting.
“We are just at the start of the rainy season now, and June to August the hunger situation usually worsens. This year is more dangerous than the other years. Insecurity is impacting food cultivation.”
Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan, said:
“Solutions to extreme hunger are political. This situation can be prevented and mitigated, before more children suffer. Next month South Sudan will mark 15 years of independence and greater investment in inclusive peace and social protection is needed to prevent violence amidst an escalating, underfunded humanitarian crisis response.
“In an already hyper-prioritised humanitarian system, international aid cuts continue to disproportionately impact those most vulnerable in one of the world’s most fragile states.”
Save the Children calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access to already affected communities.
The aid agency is also calling for greater and more flexible resources needed to respond to the dire needs of the displaced populations in strained communities, with funding flows designed to reach local actors delivering principled aid.
Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, providing children with access to education, healthcare and nutrition services, and supporting families with food security and livelihoods assistance.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Property Market – NZ housing market remains subdued as affordability drives regional divide – Cotality

Source: Cotality

The latest update of Cotality’s Mapping the Market interactive tool, which provides suburb-level property insights across the country, shows 56% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising standalone house values over the three months to June.

However, while values remain broadly flat at a national level, Southland and West Coast housing markets dominated the list of the country’s strongest performers, accounting for 21 of the top 25 suburbs where house values have risen by at least 10% over the past year.

Nationally the median value of a standalone house fell 0.1% over the quarter and remains 17% below the peak to $834,199 (versus the overall median of $808,187).
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said buyers remained in control of pricing negotiations after weaker than expected sales activity across the first 4-5 months of the year and elevated listings.
“It’s always difficult to cast a wide net across the various trends at a suburb level and come to a clear conclusion about just one or two key drivers,” he said.
“However, in many of those stronger performing suburbs, the two most likely factors for the double-digit growth are their affordability relative to the rest of the country and robust farming sector which is supporting cash flow and confidence.”

Affordable regional markets lead the way

Among the strongest performers for standalone houses over the past year were Lorneville in Invercargill, Wallacetown in Southland District, Ngahere in Grey District and Te Anau in Southland District, all recording annual growth of more than 14%.
Mr Davidson said affordability and local economic conditions were likely playing an important role in supporting demand across those markets.
“Many of the best performing suburbs are relatively affordable compared with larger urban centres, and their resistance to softer economic and overall market conditions could well be due to first home buyer activity and smaller-scale investors,” he said.
“We also know that areas linked to communities where there’s robust farming activity and strong regional economies have also generally been holding up well.”

Auckland encounters ongoing headwinds

While many regional markets have bucked the national trend, Auckland suburbs feature prominently among the country’s weakest performing areas.
For standalone houses, Wesley in Auckland City recorded an annual decline of 7.8%, while Wiri in Manukau fell 7.4% and Glen Innes declined 6.9%.
Mr Davidson said Auckland’s key restraints for values include a strong new supply pipeline and cautious buyer sentiment.
“Auckland experienced one of the strongest upswings during the pandemic period, which pushed values to very elevated levels and created significant affordability challenges for many buyers,” he said.
“Values for all property types across the city are now about 23% below their January 2022 peak of $1.36 million, but they remain above their pre-pandemic levels.”

Mixed results of townhouse values

For townhouses and flats, 52% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising values over the three months to June, an unchanged proportion from March.
Eleven suburbs recorded annual townhouse value growth of at least 10%, including Matua in Tauranga, Katikati in Western Bay of Plenty, Putaruru in South Waikato, Fernhill in Queenstown and Alexandra in Central Otago.
However, several suburbs also recorded annual declines of 10% or more, including Bader in Hamilton, Weymouth in Manukau and Auckland Central.
Mr Davidson said supply dynamics were a significant factor in the performance of townhouse markets across the country.
“In some locations, particularly where there has been a significant pipeline of new development, buyers are being presented with an array of choice which has placed ongoing restraint on values,” he said.
“Conversely in other area where there are more affordable price points and stronger local demand, the performance has been stronger, and in some cases positive, as there’s less stock and competition.”
“That being said, contrary to some perceptions out there, townhouses aren’t generally seeing their values underperform other property types.”

Wide ranging performances across NZ suburbs

Auckland still dominates the list of suburbs with the highest median values for houses, including $3.03m in Herne Bay, $2.87m in Saint Marys Bay, and $2.43m in Parnell. 
Kelvin Heights makes an appearance for Queenstown, at $2.48m
At the other end of the spectrum, eight suburbs recorded median house values below $300,000, including Ikamatua in Buller, Clinton in Clutha and Waiouru in Ruapehu.
Auckland continues to account for the country’s highest townhouse values, with Stonefields leading the way at $1.29 million, ahead of Campbells Bay ($1.21 million) and Castor Bay ($1.17 million).
Outlook clouded by economic uncertainty

Mr Davidson said the outlook for the housing market remains closely tied to the wider economy and the path of interest rates, with the battle to contain inflation likely to influence market activity over the coming months.

“Recent Mapping the Market results highlight how varied conditions are around the country at present, and that variability could become even more pronounced if economic uncertainty persists,” he said.
“Higher mortgage rates and a weaker economy tend to place a greater emphasis on affordability, which is one reason we've seen some lower-priced markets perform better than others.”
He said elevated listings and subdued sales volumes were likely to remain key features of the market in the months ahead, helping to explain why some suburbs were outperforming and others had softened.
“Buyers generally still have a reasonable amount of choice, and that means some markets are finding it harder to generate price growth than others,” he said.
“The next three to six months are likely to bring more of the same patterns we've seen at a suburb level, with affordability remaining a key driver of demand and property values generally tracking sideways at a national level.”
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Business financial data: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Business employment data: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Business Canterbury – South Island steps forward with business focused election conference.

Source: Business Canterbury

The South Island is stepping forward with confidence this election year, bringing together business and political leaders for what is shaping up to be the largest pre-election gathering of its kind in the region.

Business Canterbury, alongside Chambers of Commerce and industry associations, have this week announced they are holding an inaugural South Island Election Conference. This major pre-election event is designed to showcase the region’s momentum and help shape its future.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “With senior political leaders taking the stage, and a strong cross-section of business covering the South Island in attendance, the conference will send a clear signal that the South Island is ready to play an even bigger role in New Zealand’s economic growth story as we move forward.”

“The timing for this conference is deliberate. Right now, the South Island has strong economic growth and is full of opportunity, and we’re seeing real momentum across a range of sectors.

“This is about setting the South Island up for the future by ensuring the opportunities are well known across political parties and that we continue to see investment ahead of demand in our growing South Island economy, amplifying it and making sure it’s front and centre as political parties set their priorities for the election campaign and future Governments.

From food and fibre exports to renewable energy, tourism and advanced manufacturing, the South Island is entering a period of real economic strength. Its geography and scale, long seen as challenges, are increasingly being recognised as competitive advantages that position the region to drive growth and continue to increase the economic contribution to New Zealand.

Watson says the conference is about exploring the levers to unlock that potential.

“We know the South Island already makes a significant contribution to the national economy, but we also know there’s headroom to do more. With the right policy settings, investment and focus, this is a region that can help lift New Zealand’s overall economic performance.

Designed to provide business across the South Island a platform to have these conversations, the conference will create a direct line between those driving the region’s economy and those seeking to shape it. Political leaders from across the spectrum will take part, including addresses from both the National and Labour Party leaders, alongside focused conversations on the issues that matter most to the regions of the South Island.

Those discussions will span the economic agenda including productivity, innovation and tax settings as well as workforce challenges such as immigration, education, health and safety, and industrial relations. A dedicated South Island infrastructure debate will also bring into focus one of the most important enablers of growth.

Watson says the emphasis is on constructive, forward-looking engagement.

“This is about having practical, grounded conversations about how we continue to support the growth across the South Island. We want to hear directly from political leaders about how they see the South Island’s role in the economy, and how they intend to support the opportunities that exist here.

An important feature of the conference is the level of alignment behind it, with Chambers of Commerce and industry associations from across the South Island working together in a coordinated effort to elevate the region’s voice.

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Sharon Fifield says, “The collaboration reflects growing confidence across the South Island.

“Across the South Island, we’re seeing businesses that are ambitious, outward-looking and ready to grow.

“This conference is an opportunity to bring that collective energy together and ensure decision-makers understand both the scale of opportunity and what’s needed to unlock it.”

Business South Chief Executive, Mike Collins says, “It is a chance to highlight the strengths that set the region apart. The South Island’s economy is diverse, resilient and deeply connected to local and global markets.

“By coming together in this way, we’re sending a strong, positive signal about the role this region can play in driving New Zealand’s future prosperity.”

As the election campaign gathers pace, Business Canterbury says the conference is about ensuring the South Island’s opportunity story is both heard clearly and enabled through future investment and policy that will drive innovation, productivity and growth.

“This isn’t about competing with other regions, we simply want to be able to contribute more. The South Island has a huge amount to offer, and this is our moment to bring that into focus and help shape what comes next.”

Note: The Chambers and organisations supporting the South Island Election Conference are:

  • Business South
  • Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce
  • Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce
  • South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce
  • Southland Chamber of Commerce
  • Wanaka Business Chamber
  • Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
  • Family Business Association
  • Hospitality NZ
  • Infrastructure NZ.

Business Canterbury is proudly partnering with the Christchurch International Airport, Scenic Hotel Group, Wynn Williams and the New Zealand Herald to deliver this event.

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

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Government Cuts – Govt cuts come for Māori, Pasifika, disability roles at ACC – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government is continuing its crusade against public services by and for Māori, with ACC proposing to cut its Māori and Equity team by more than half.
The proposal, which would disestablish the entire team of 24 and establish 10 roles, would also cut specific capability for Pasifika and people with disabilities.
Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, said the proposal would take ACC backwards.
“ACC set up this team in 2023 because the data shows it needs to do more to deliver for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities – they are the people who will be worse off because of the Government’s cost-cutting drive. Cutting this team and diluting its responsibilities is the opposite of progress.”
The role of the team is to clarify accountability and weave Māori capability and support for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities across ACC.
“This proposed change will also hurt the Crown’s ability to meet its Te Tiriti obligations,” said McDonald. “This Government has slashed Māori and Te Tiriti focused roles, teams, and programmes across public services, while undermining the role of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.”
The PSA represents over 1,400 members at ACC and will be making a submission opposing the proposal.
Some examples of Government cuts to Māori capability
Removing references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in 19 laws: Removing Te Tiriti principles will do lasting damage to public services
StatsNZ disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team: Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.