Ōrewa will be at the centre of New Zealand’s largest ShakeOut earthquake drill this Thursday, with more than 730,000 people across the country signed up to take part at 9.30 am.

The national drill and tsunami evacuation aims to help communities prepare for natural disasters, with this year’s official event hosted at Ōrewa Beach Primary School.

Students and staff will lead the way in practising “Drop, Cover, Hold,” followed by a tsunami walk to their local safe zone.

“Emergency preparation starts with all of us. First you, then your family, then your community,” says John Price, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA.

Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says ShakeOut is a simple way for everyone to get ready.

“It’s important for people in Auckland to know what to do if an earthquake or tsunami happens, so I encourage all Aucklanders to take part,” he says.

Families, schools, and workplaces on the Hibiscus Coast are encouraged to join the drill or walk their local evacuation routes.

ShakeOut is self-run, so each group can decide how they take part. From a quick office drill to a full neighbourhood walk.

To register and learn more, visit https://getready.govt.nz/involved/shakeout

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