Receiving Tasman District Council flood warnings is an advisory service, and TDC does not accept responsibility for any losses incurred due to flooding. Tasman District Council expressly disclaims any liability for any failure of the service to deliver notifications or otherwise function as intended, as well as for any actions taken or not taken by recipients based on the receipt or non-receipt of a warning.

However, we strongly advise users to take these warnings seriously and to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their property in the event of a flood. We also recommend monitoring weather forecasts, current conditions and taking any necessary precautions.

What system is Tasman District Council using to implement flood warnings?

Tasman District Council is using a Software as a Service (SaaS) system provided by TNZ Group Limited to implement flood warnings. This New Zealand-born company specializes in message delivery technology, streamlining business communications worldwide. For more information, please visit TNZ Group Limited.

What is the flood warnings process?

The Tasman District Council Duty Officer receives a river or rainfall alarm via the TDC telemetry system. Using the TNZ system, a template message is sent in Interactive Voice Response (IVR) format to assigned recipient’s mobile phone and/or landline. The TNZ system enables Duty Officers to efficiently distribute flood warnings, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of flood information, thereby protecting both people and property in the region.

During a flood, Tasman District Council won't track individuals' interactions, but will be used for system analysis later.

For questions or feedback, please email info@tasman.govt.nz

How does the system work?

• If Tasman District Council receives a telemetry alarm, an IVR is sent through the TNZ system to all associated clients.
• The client will receive the IVR phone call from the flood warnings line (03 974 6894).
• Each client provides up to 3 phone numbers (1 main number and 2 alternatives).
• Clients are requested to answer the phone call with 'Hello' even though they are aware it is an automated IVR. This ensures the system functions efficiently by distinguishing between a human response and an answering machine.
• Each number provided is called up to 3 times, with the system checking for invalid numbers. It leaves a short message on the answer machine once (if encountered) and calls back every 2 minutes for failed transmissions.
• If the client answers, the IVR will play 2 or more times based on their keypad interactions.
• If the client presses an invalid keypad (‘3’ to ‘9’ or ‘*’ or ‘0’ or ‘#’) or a valid keypad (‘1’), the IVR restarts.
• A successful transmission is when the client pushes ‘2’ on the keypad (confirming they have received the IVR) or ‘1’ on the keypad during the call. Pressing ‘2’ on the keypad stops the IVR, and the TNZ system responds with “Great, thank you for confirming. Please pass this message on” and ends the call.
• A failed transmission is when the client hangs up, presses only invalid keypads (‘3’ to ‘9’ or ‘*’ or ‘0’ or ‘#’) or doesn’t press any keypads.
• A follow up SMS message may be sent to the client under certain conditions, if provided.

What information will be stored on TNZ’s SaaS system?

• All information provided in the registration page.
• All registration page and TNZ system interactions.
• All information collected regarding message recipient consent will be retained for a period of two (2) years from the date each message is sent.

Please see our privacy statement for more information.