NZ emergency alert test sparks wave of '6-7' jokes and NEMA's response is gold

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has found itself unexpectedly caught up in one of the biggest memes doing the rounds in 2026.

Ahead of the annual Emergency Mobile Alert test, NEMA has unexpectedly helped revive the Gen Alpha “6-7” meme - the one we thought we’d FINALLY seen the back of.

The test is set to take place on 14 June between, well, 6 and 7pm.

After reminders were posted about it online, it didn’t take long for the comments to be flooded with jokes.

“NEMA shared information about the day and time of this year’s test on social media - only to receive a host of messages just saying ‘6-7’,” NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price said.

Civil Defence NZ has since leaned right into it, releasing an updated reminder packed with comments and jokes from Kiwis.

Price added they’re actually pleased to see people engaging with the test - even if parents around the country might be slightly less thrilled about the meme making a comeback.

For anyone not chronically online, the meme stems from the drill rap track 'Doot Doot (6 7)' by American rapper Skrilla, with Gen Alpha picking it up and pairing it with a very specific hand gesture.

The EMA system is used to send urgent, geotargeted alerts to mobile phones during emergencies where there’s a risk to life, property or safety.

“This is a valuable life safety tool to keep our communities safe,” Price said.

This year marks nine years of the annual emergency alert test. Over the past 12 months alone, 66 emergency alerts have been sent around NZ, meaning this Sunday’s test could very well be number 67.

And that hasn’t gone unnoticed by NEMA, either!

This weekend’s alert is just a test, so no action is needed - but it’s a good chance to get familiar with the message and alert tone for future

And just in case it hasn't been made abundantly clear... expect your phone to go off between 6 and 7 this Sunday.