ShakeOut drill a chance for Aucklanders to prepare for a real life earthquake
ShakeOut, New Zealand’s national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am.
Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says she encourages Aucklanders to embrace this opportunity to practice for a real earthquake.
“I urge all Aucklanders to join in with the rest of Aotearoa and take part in ShakeOut.
“Even though the risk of a major shake in the Auckland region is small, it pays to be familiar with what to do if you are caught up in a real earthquake or tsunami.
“ShakeOut day is also a great opportunity to for Aucklanders to think about their preparedness for a natural disaster – including having a household emergency plan.
“It’s also an opportunity to talk to family and friends about what to do in an emergency and how to stay informed.”
What you need to know about ShakeOut
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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging all households, schools, and organisations to officially sign up for ShakeOut. When you sign up, you’ll have the option of going into a draw to win a prize.
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ShakeOut will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am
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It is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill. An Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will not be sent out
You can start the drill in whatever way works for you. All you need to do is Drop, Cover and Hold for 60 seconds and practice your evacuation if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone by walking to high ground or inland by foot or bike
There are resources you can use to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to practice earthquake and tsunami drills. Download posters, factsheets and more here.
All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunami. Practicing your tsunami hīkoi is an easy way for you and those around you to learn the right actions to take.
Before the ShakeOut drill
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Know your tsunami evacuation zone in Auckland. Make plans for a tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. See the national Tsunami Evacuation Map to find tsunami evacuation zones in other regions.
Remind yourself and others what to do in an earthquake or tsunami. Download and share Drop, Cover and Hold or Long or Strong: Get Gone posters.
Drop, Cover, Hold
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In an earthquake, Drop, Cover, Hold. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and protects your head, neck and vital organs.
DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.
COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you).
If there is no shelter nearby then cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.
If there is no shelter near you, crawl to an inside corner of the room and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Many people are injured while trying to move during the shaking.
It is safer to Drop, Cover, and Hold until the shaking is over.
If you use a walker or a wheelchair
If you use a walker or wheelchair, Lock, Cover and Hold.
Lock your wheels and get as low as possible.
Bend over and cover your head and neck as best you can.
Then hold on until the shaking stops.
Long or Strong: Get Gone
Earthquakes can generate tsunami.
It is important to recognise the natural warning signs of a tsunami and remember, if an earthquake is Long or Strong: Get Gone.
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ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/10/shakeout-drill-a-chance-for-aucklanders-to-prepare-for-a-real-life-earthquake
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Best way to use leftovers?
I'm sure you've got some excess ham at home or cold roast potatoes.
What are some of your favourite ways to use leftover food from Christmas day? Share below.
Te Pūrākau o Te Rangatira Ngākau Hūmarie - Day 34
The Tale of the Humble Leader
In a small Māori village near the coast of Aotearoa, the whānau were preparing for Te Rā o te Kirihimete (Christmas Day). It was a time of celebration, sharing, and remembering the values of aroha (love), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kotahitanga (unity). However, this year, the village faced a challenge. Their rangatira, Wiremu, had grown distant and prideful, burdened by his position.
Wiremu often made decisions alone, thinking that his wisdom and authority were enough to guide the iwi. While the villagers respected him, they felt unheard, and the spirit of unity began to fade.
As the Kirihimete celebrations approached, the kaumātua, Hinewai, decided to intervene. She invited Wiremu to the marae one evening, where she shared a story about Tāwhaki, the demigod who ascended to the heavens not through power, but through humility and service.
“Wiremu,” Hinewai said, “even the greatest leaders are at their strongest when they serve their people. Leadership is not about standing above others but walking beside them.”
Wiremu reflected on her words but was unsure how to change.
The Lesson of the Whetū (Stars)
On Christmas Eve, as the village prepared for their festivities, a fierce storm rolled in from the sea. The winds howled, and the rain poured, threatening to ruin the celebration. The central whare kai (dining hall) began to leak, and the decorations the tamariki had made were soaked. The people gathered anxiously, unsure of how to proceed.
Wiremu stood at the edge of the marae, looking at the chaos. In that moment, Hinewai’s words echoed in his mind: “Even the greatest leaders serve their people.”
Without hesitation, Wiremu took off his korowai (cloak of leadership) and joined the villagers. He grabbed buckets to catch the rain, helped rebuild the decorations, and reassured the tamariki that their work would be restored. His humility inspired others, and soon the entire iwi was working together, laughing and singing as they prepared the whare for the celebration.
A Kirihimete Under the Stars
When the storm cleared, the sky was filled with bright whetū (stars). The villagers gathered around a glowing fire outside the whare, sharing kai and stories of gratitude. Wiremu stood among them, no longer as a distant rangatira, but as a friend and servant of his people.
Under the starlit sky, Hinewai stood and addressed the iwi.
“This Kirihimete, we are reminded that true leadership is like the brightest whetū. It does not shine to outdo others but guides them through darkness. Wiremu has shown us the power of humility, and through his service, we have rediscovered our unity.”
Wiremu bowed his head humbly. “Tonight, you have all taught me that a leader is nothing without their people. Let us carry this spirit of kotahitanga and aroha into the new year.”
The villagers cheered, and the spirit of Te Rā o te Kirihimete shone brightly in their hearts.
Moral of the Story:
Leadership is not about authority or pride but about humility and service. Like the whetū that guide travelers, a true leader walks alongside their people, bringing light and unity through service and aroha. At Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of giving, humility, and leading with love.
⚠️ DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. If you love them, don't leave them. ⚠️
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
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