One blue zone for tsunami evacuations across Waitaha Canterbury
Environment Canterbury media release: 6th October 2026
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to check their tsunami evacuation status as the region moves to a single blue tsunami evacuation zone from Tuesday 6th October 2026.
The change is being introduced across Canterbury as part of a national move to simplify tsunami evacuation messaging and help people make faster decisions during an emergency. The existing red, orange and yellow evacuation zones will be replaced by one blue tsunami evacuation zone.
James Thompson, Regional Manager Canterbury CDEM, says the move to a single evacuation zone will make it easier for people to know when to act.
"During a tsunami emergency, people need clear and simple information. Moving to a single blue tsunami evacuation zone means there is one consistent message about when to evacuate and where people need to go," says James.
"The most important thing to remember is that if you feel a long or strong earthquake, you should evacuate immediately if you're in the blue tsunami evacuation zone. Don't wait for an official warning or an emergency mobile alert. Move inland or to higher ground so that you are out of the blue tsunami evacuation zone and stay out until authorities advise it is safe to return."
The blue zone is based on modelling of areas that could be flooded or cut off during a rare, very large tsunami. While most tsunamis are expected to be smaller, using a single evacuation zone helps reduce confusion and supports faster public response during an emergency.
Residents are encouraged to check the updated evacuation maps, as some locations may see changes to evacuation zone boundaries. While all properties previously within red and orange zones will be included in the blue zone, some areas that were previously within yellow evacuation zones may no longer be required to evacuate under the new framework.
Updated blue tsunami evacuation zone maps and information is now available through local council and Canterbury CDEM channels. Local councils will also be sharing information with their communities about what the changes mean for their area.
Know the signs. Know your zone
If you are in the blue tsunami evacuation zone and:
- Feel a long earthquake that goes for more than a minute, or
- Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand, or
- The sea is behaving strangely or making load roaring noises
Evacuate immediately to higher ground or inland so that you are out of the blue tsunami evacuation zone. Do not wait for an official warning or an emergency mobile alert.
Check the Canterbury Civil Defence website to see the blue tsunami evacuation zone and whether your home, workplace, school or favourite recreation spot is affected.