New Zealand will conduct its annual Shakeout earthquake drill at 9:30 am on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The U.S. Mission in New Zealand is urging U.S. citizens living or traveling in the country to prepare for natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
The embassy recommends that individuals assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, prescription medicines, hygiene items, and personal documents. More detailed guidance on emergency kits is available at https://www.ready.gov/.
U.S. citizens are also advised to check whether their homes, workplaces, or schools are located in tsunami evacuation zones by consulting New Zealand Civil Defense’s evacuation zone map at https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones.
To prepare for earthquakes, the embassy suggests choosing safe spots in every room, practicing the “COVER AND HOLD ON” technique regularly, preparing written instructions for shutting off utilities, informing caregivers of safety plans, and establishing a family communication plan.
During an earthquake, individuals should move only a few steps to a safe place and stay indoors until the shaking stops. Those outdoors should move away from buildings and power lines, while those in vehicles should stop in a clear area and remain inside until it is safe.
After an earthquake, people are encouraged to avoid moving if trapped under debris and signal for help by tapping on surfaces. If able to move safely, they should check themselves and others for injuries and avoid hazards such as gas leaks or fires. Those in tsunami evacuation zones should move immediately to higher ground without waiting for official orders. Updates can be found through local media or New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency.
The embassy reminds U.S. citizens to keep passports current in case urgent travel is needed and to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and assistance.
For help or more information, the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland can be contacted at +64 09 303 2724 or AucklandACS@state.gov. The State Department’s Consular Affairs can be reached at +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444. Citizens are encouraged to follow the consulate on Facebook and X (Twitter) for updates.