Government urged to act – Grey Power calls for modern emergency sirens

Grey Power Federation is pressing the New Zealand Government to restore and modernise civil defence sirens, warning that their removal has left communities dangerously exposed.

With threats ranging from earthquakes and tsunamis to severe weather and industrial incidents, the Federation says New Zealand needs a robust, layered emergency alert system which includes next-generation, all-hazards sirens.

Critical gap in warning systems

Across much of the North Island’s eastern coast, older fire sirens were decommissioned due to confusing tones, limited coverage, and no voice capability. Instead of upgrading to advanced systems, most areas simply removed them, creating a serious gap in public safety especially in remote or coastal communities with unreliable mobile reception.

The case for modern, integrated sirens

International best practice uses multi-channel alerting. Modern sirens complement mobile alerts, social media, and radio broadcasts. In countries such as the USA, Japan, Germany, and Denmark, upgraded siren networks feature:

  • Self-powered, solar-enabled units for operation during power cuts
  • Voice broadcasts with real-time, multilingual instructions
  • Remote management and automated testing for reliability
  • Targeted coverage for areas beyond cell service
  • Inclusive reach for seniors, children, tourists, and non-smartphone users
  • These systems can integrate seamlessly with New Zealand’s existing alerting framework, ensuring no community is left behind.

Why mobile alerts alone fall short

Emergency Mobile Alerts (EMA) are essential but not enough. Phones may be out of reach at night, switched off, or unfamiliar to visitors and seniors. In fast-moving emergencies such as a local tsunami, audible outdoor sirens remain the quickest way to alert entire communities within seconds.

Call for a national strategy

Currently, no national policy requires or funds local authorities to install modern sirens. Grey Power is urging the Government to set clear guidelines, provide funding, and mandate deployment in at-risk areas.

The Federation’s message is clear: the silence left by decommissioned sirens must be replaced by a unified, modern network. Lives depend on decisive action now.

Sirens – music to our ears!

It is believed that the concept of a siren originated from a Scottish physicist, John Robison, who used it for musical tones in the late 18th century, later improved by Charles Cagniard de la Tour.

However, before modern technology, wind instruments and drums were used as primitive audible alarms with bells being used to warn of dangers such as fires or approaching enemies.

Yet, long ago, in classical mythology, the Sirens were sea nymphs whose beautiful singing lured sailors to their doom on submerged rocks. No wonder sirens are still a tool for danger at hand!

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