GW has a phone-based flood warning system in the Wairarapa. It helps farmers and contractors during floods by notifying them to move stock and machinery and facilitating road closures. To make things more efficient, a trial of an automated text-to-speech system is underway to ease the workload of Forecast and Warning Duty Officers (FWDOs). This system ensures timely and accurate flood information, protecting people and property in the region. Many other regional councils already use automated services for flood warnings.
What platform is GW using to implement automated flood warning alerts?
TNZ Group Limited provides a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. New Zealand born technology specialises in message delivery technology, contributing to streamlined business communications worldwide. For more details, visit their website.
What is the automated flood warning alerts process?
The FWDO gets an alert (river or rainfall) through the GW telemetry system. Using the TNZ platform, pre-recorded messages are sent to assigned recipient’s landline and/or mobile phone. This enables FWDOs to send messages efficiently in bulk.
During a flood, FWDOs won’t track individuals interactions, but will be used for system analysis later. The FWDOs will no longer be making or receiving phone calls regarding flooding.
How does the new system work?
- If the FWDO receives a telemetry alarm, they manually send a message through the TNZ platform to all associated clients.
- Each client provides up to 9 phone numbers (main and 8 alternatives). TNZ system can determine if the phone number is invalid.
- 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 alert message 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 message restarts.
- A successful transmission is when the client pushes ‘2’ on the keypad (confirming they have received the message) or ‘1’ on the keypad during the call. Pressing ‘2’ on the keypad stops the main message, 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.
What personal information will be stored on TNZ’s SaaS platform?
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Brief notes (i.e. Manager for X farm, Stock Manager for X)
- Details of interactions (i.e. did the user hang up, how long the call lasted etc).
Please see our
privacy statement
(PDF 69 KB)
for more information.
Should I be on a flood warning list, and how do I opt into this service?
If you think you have a property in a low-lying area, email info@gw.govt.nz and leave your details. GW will check if you qualify for flood warning and will get in touch to discuss it with you.
Currently, the process is manual, but GW is considering introducing an online portal in the future.
How do I opt out of this service or update my details?
Please email info@gw.govt.nz. A GW staff member will get in contact to confirm you’re removed from alerts or if your details have been updated.
For questions, use the same contact information. Note that details may change as we improve the service.
Flooding impacts more people, more often than any other natural hazard in Aotearoa. 