The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) says MetService will step beyond weather services to keep the public informed during times of tsunami risk.

MetService would now include Nema tsunami warning banners on its website.

Civil Defence Emergency Management director John Price said the move would help to ensure New Zealanders got the emergency information they needed.

“Tsunami warnings only work if people see them and act on them, and we’re pleased to be working with MetService to keep people safe.

“This will bring together Nema and MetService’s large audiences, so New Zealanders are more likely to get the information they need, when they need it.”

A Nema spokesperson said the banners would link to the Civil Defence website for advice and information on how to keep safe.

They said the banners would not appear on the MetService app or push service notifications.

The spokesperson said Nema was also exploring how automated tsunami messaging could be shared to other government websites to quickly get important information to as many people as possible.

The spokesperson encouraged people – in times of tsunami danger – to listen to their radio for updates and advice on what to do.

RNZ