Shake Month

Next date: Tuesday, 06 October 2026 | 07:00 PM

Get prepared this Shake Month with free public talks, family activities and New Zealand's nationwide ShakeOut earthquake drill.

Throughout October, we're bringing together emergency management experts, scientists and the community to talk about the natural hazards that could affect Palmy and what we can do to prepare.

Come along to one of our free public talks, take part in the National ShakeOut Drill, or do both.

Don't wait for the woah! Natural hazards and your home

• Date: Tuesday 6 October
• Time: 7pm
• Location: Central Library
• Cost: Free

What hazards could affect Palmerston North, and how can we prepare?

Hear from the Natural Hazards Commission and Council's Emergency Management team about local risks, ask questions and get practical tips to help you and your whānau prepare.

Bring the kids along too. We'll have VR headsets, games and fun activities running during this free event.

Doors open at 6.30pm, so come along early to get a good seat.

Register for Natural hazards and your home

Take part in the National ShakeOut Drill

• Date: Wednesday 21 October
• Time: 1.30pm

Would you, your family, school or business know what to do in an earthquake?

Register for New Zealand's nationwide ShakeOut earthquake drill. It's a chance to practise your response, check that you know the correct safety actions and spot any gaps in your emergency procedures.

Get your team involved and make preparedness part of your working day.

Register for New Zealand ShakeOut

Catastrophic events

• Date: Wednesday 21 October
• Time: 7pm
• Location: Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre
• Cost: Free

What happens when a major emergency affects an entire community?

Join the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for a free public talk exploring catastrophic events and their impacts on communities, organisations and critical services.

Come along to better understand these events and what they could mean for us.

Register for Catastrophic events

The next big one: In this together?

• Date: Thursday 29 October
• Time: 7pm
• Location: Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre
• Cost: Free

How can science help us prepare for emergencies?

Join Kate from Illuminate Science to explore emergencies, risk and resilience.

Discover practical insights into how we can better prepare ourselves, our workplaces and our communities for future events.

Register for the next big one

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