Drop, cover and hold. There was a nationwide 'shake-out' this morning at 9:15 - a drill to make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of an earthquake. Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management director Sarah Stuart-Black says they wanted people to take the opportunity to think about what they and their family need to do to prepare for a shake. Supplied: Newstalk ZB
A nationwide earthquake drill rumbled into town today and those involved weathered the fake-shake well.
Around 1.5 million keen participants registered to take part in the event, to drop cover and hold at 9.15am this morning.
An Auckland City Council spokesperson said the earthquake drill went smoothly in the Councilbuilding.
"Everyone took part and there was really good participation," she said.
Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management director Sarah Stuart-Black said organisers wanted people to take the opportunity to think about what they and their family need to do to prepare for a shake.
New Zealand experienced earthquakes frequently enough and needed to know what to do when it happened, Ms Stuart-Black said.
The campaign is running for two weeks and people who were unable to participate this morning were advised to practise the drill in their own time during this period.
Eric Rush takes shelter under a table with Civil Defence dog Marzouk. Photo / Supplied
Hilary Barry streamed the event, posting a video to Facebook showing her ducking under her desk during the drill.
Former All Black and Rugby Sevens captain Eric Rush is more used to dodging rampaging wingers than tumbling groceries - but that wasn't stopping him taking part.
