RNZ improves breaking news alerts with update

10:25 am on 6 March 2019

RNZ is releasing new features on our website and app that will improve the way we alert people to breaking news.

RNZ app on an Android.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

The changes mean that no matter how you receive our alerts - via app push notifications, our red website banner, or on Twitter - the alert will now direct you ... directly to the article the story is about.

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An app update, released today on both iPhone and Android will also allow you to select which kinds of news you want to receive alerts about, allowing you to turn on - or off - topics like Pacific news, sport, business, politics, or the arts.

Click here for instructions on how to change your app settings, so you only get the beeps you want

These changes are also an opportunity to reorganise our alert-publishing system, which will mean more efficient delivery of breaking news.

These have been some of the most requested features from our audience. Because RNZ is committed to connecting with and informing all of New Zealand, our developers have spent the past eight months working on this.

The change has been tested and we expect it won't break the internet as well as the news - but anything's possible, so please bear with us andget in touch if things go awry.

RNZ is New Zealand's public service broadcaster. Our website, app and broadcasting is provided 100 percent free - with no adverts - and always will be.

Here's how to change the settings on your app: