Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

12/06/2026

This was the harrowing moment a Wellington homeowner's chimney collapsed during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake.

“We were sitting there a bit stunned, when there was a banging on our front door. The guys from next door were standing there, they said, ‘Have you seen your chimney?!’ We went out and saw it had fallen. Completely collapsed. We’d had no idea.”

The chimney had been on the external wall right next to their baby’s cot. It had fallen alongside the house and ripped off part of the roof, narrowly missing their baby’s room.

“If it had fallen a different way, it would’ve crushed our son.”

Check if your chimney is at risk and explore the options for making it safer: https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/homeowners/chimneys/

11/06/2026

🪥 Brushing your teeth.
☕ Making a cup of tea.
📱 Sending a quick text.

All done in under two minutes.

So are these:

📦 Move heavy items down low.
🔧 Secure your hot water cylinder.
🚰 Know how to turn off your gas and water.

New research shows earthquakes are still Kiwis’ top natural hazard concern, and most of us believe they could seriously damage our homes. But even small steps still get put off.

👉 70% of us know what actions to take
👉 Even one quick action can make a real difference.

Take a minute today. Because a stronger home is a safer home and a bit of prep now can make a big difference when the next earthquake hits.

Quake safe your place: https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/quake-safe-your-place/

10/06/2026

On this day in history: New Zealand's deadliest and largest volcanic eruption of the last 500 years.

Mount Tarawera violently erupted in the early hours of June 10, 1886. The eruption lasted six hours and caused massive destruction.

Around 1:30 AM, residents were shaken awake by a series of around 30 strong earthquakes. By 2:30 AM, the volcano's three peaks split open, shooting columns of ash, smoke, and lava fountains 10 kilometres into the atmosphere.

The sound of the booming sound of the eruptions and the flashing sky was thought by some to be an attack by Russian warships.

Today, the sacred volcanic peak remains active but quiet. And while the tragedy caught our nation completely off guard, it helped us transform into a world leader in volcanology, disaster monitoring, and risk management.

09/06/2026

It may have been a long time since you checked what's going on under your house.

You might think your home’s foundations are fine, until they’re tested in an earthquake. That’s when smaller issues can turn into big problems.

Check your piles (if it’s safe to do so):

- for signs of damage or deterioration, like tilting, or rotting, or cracking
- are properly connected and supported.

If you spot anything that doesn’t look right:

1. take photos
2. talk to a licensed building professional before doing anything yourself.

See more on what to look for: https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/homeowners/foundations/

07/06/2026

In an earthquake, your foundations have one job – to keep your house firmly in place.

Your home can show warning signs that something isn’t quite right with your foundations.

Don’t wait for the WOAH! Do these simple checks around the house now👉🏼 https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/homeowners/foundations/

04/06/2026

Need something to listen to while you're securing your furniture? We’ve got you covered 🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 🎶

03/06/2026

We're proud to sponsor this challenge that helps our Tamariki be prepared for the next natural hazard event. Share these activities with the Tamariki in your life – entries close 12 June.

The Get Ready Schools Challenge is back for 2026!

We've worked with the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, Fire and Emergency NZ, New Zealand Police, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance to create eight new fun and engaging activities to help our tamariki be prepared:

⬇️ Learn and practise how to Drop, Cover and Hold.
📱 Know their important phone numbers and addresses.
🔎 Spot the difference to find items that have been fixed and fastened for an earthquake.
📖 Learn what different organisations do in an emergency.
✏️ Complete a New Zealand hazards word search.
🎨 Draw a hazard that could impact where they live.
🧯 Create a home fire escape plan.
🧭 Solve a maze to get out of a tsunami evacuation zone.

Plus, your child could win an iPad for taking part - but only if their school signs up at https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/9360610768C7DC5C

02/06/2026

Have you ever thought about earthquake hazards in your child’s room?

We've partnered with Whānau Āwhina Plunket to show you how you can protect your little ones when the next shake happens.

Do these small fixes:
🛏️ Clear their sleeping area of hazards
🖼️ Secure big items to the wall
🔨 Hang pictures or shelves away from where your child sleeps.

See steps to secure: https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/homeowners/nurseries-and-childrens-rooms/

01/06/2026

You never know when the ground will shake…

Luckily, this bloke already took steps to secure his cabinets, so no gnomes were harmed in the quake.

Keep yourself, your whānau and the things you love safe when the next one strikes.

See steps to secure furniture: https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/be-prepared/homeowners/large-furniture-and-appliances/