In New Zealand, Volcano Alert Bulletins (VABs) are the official source of warnings and alerts including current Volcanic Alert Level (VAL),[1] intended to inform stakeholder agencies, authorities, and the public about emergencies so they can take action.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, through The National Emergency Management Agency is responsible for providing such alerts to warn about natural hazards.
[2] A Scientific Alert Level is applied to the Volcano Status based on Indicative Phenomena.
GNS Science operates the national geological hazards monitoring network (GeoNet).
[3] The Volcanic Alert Level system has six levels ranging from 5 (major volcanic eruption) to 0 (no volcanic activity):[4] To help prevent harm when living or working on or near a volcano, countries have adopted classifications to describe the various levels and stages of volcanic activity, the two main volcano warning systems being colour codes and/or numeric alert levels.