ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
Aucklanders are being asked to drop, cover and hold at 9.15am on October 15, as part of a global drill to ensure people are prepared should an earthquake strike.
Launched this week by Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye, the ShakeOut 2015 website is ready for Aucklanders to sign up, learn more and be one of the first countries to take part in the global drill this year.
She says they are hoping 1.5 million people participating this year, up on the 1.3 million registrations for the 2012 event.
Ms. Kaye said: “We’re a country prone to earthquakes so it’s really important we all take responsibility and know how to get through. That means things like knowing how to drop, cover and hold, and having an emergency kit at home.”
While the risk of earthquake in Auckland is considered low, Aucklanders need to be prepared for any eventuality; it is not a case of if, but when.
“The recent events in Nepal and closer to home in New Zealand remind us of the risk and there is no reason to be complacent,” says chair of the council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee, Councillor Sharon Stewart.
“One can never say never, so the smartest thing is to be prepared, and that is what this ShakeOut event is about.
“Auckland lies in one of the lowest earthquake activity regions in New Zealand but the whole country is prone to earthquakes. And Kiwis love to travel, so everyone everywhere should know the right action to take before, during and after an earthquake.”
She says recent events are a reminder that people don’t have to wait for ShakeOut to get prepared.
“ShakeOut will focus people’s thoughts on what they need to do in an earthquake but as we know emergencies don’t stick to a calendar. Make sure you and your family have a household emergency plan so you are prepared for any emergency.”
For more information and to register for this year’s ShakeOut go to: shakeout.co.nz
Aucklanders are being asked to drop, cover and hold at 9.15am on October 15, as part of a global drill to ensure people are prepared should an earthquake strike.
Launched this week by Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye, the ShakeOut 2015 website is ready for Aucklanders to sign up, learn more and...
Aucklanders are being asked to drop, cover and hold at 9.15am on October 15, as part of a global drill to ensure people are prepared should an earthquake strike.
Launched this week by Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye, the ShakeOut 2015 website is ready for Aucklanders to sign up, learn more and be one of the first countries to take part in the global drill this year.
She says they are hoping 1.5 million people participating this year, up on the 1.3 million registrations for the 2012 event.
Ms. Kaye said: “We’re a country prone to earthquakes so it’s really important we all take responsibility and know how to get through. That means things like knowing how to drop, cover and hold, and having an emergency kit at home.”
While the risk of earthquake in Auckland is considered low, Aucklanders need to be prepared for any eventuality; it is not a case of if, but when.
“The recent events in Nepal and closer to home in New Zealand remind us of the risk and there is no reason to be complacent,” says chair of the council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee, Councillor Sharon Stewart.
“One can never say never, so the smartest thing is to be prepared, and that is what this ShakeOut event is about.
“Auckland lies in one of the lowest earthquake activity regions in New Zealand but the whole country is prone to earthquakes. And Kiwis love to travel, so everyone everywhere should know the right action to take before, during and after an earthquake.”
She says recent events are a reminder that people don’t have to wait for ShakeOut to get prepared.
“ShakeOut will focus people’s thoughts on what they need to do in an earthquake but as we know emergencies don’t stick to a calendar. Make sure you and your family have a household emergency plan so you are prepared for any emergency.”
For more information and to register for this year’s ShakeOut go to: shakeout.co.nz
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