9 Dec 2025

Shower Thoughts: How did the 111 emergency number come about?

From Nights, 8:40 pm on 9 December 2025

Have you ever been standing in the shower, when suddenly, the noise in your brain clears and, in its place, appears the perfect thought? That's a Shower Thought.

Each Tuesday, here on Nights we aim to answer those unshakable questions lurking in the back of your mind. Tonight, have you ever wondered how New Zealand ended up with the 111-emergency number, why not 222 or 555?

MOTAT Telecoms Volunteer Brian Potter joins Emile Donovan to talk about the history of emergency phone services in New Zealand.

Landline phone

Landline phone Photo: Wikipedia