2696 days ago

ShakeOut 2018

Richard Parfitt from Whakatāne District Council

At 09:30am on 18 October 2018, New Zealand will be taking part in ShakeOut, an international earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi (walk). It's important that you, your family and friends know what to do in the event of an earthquake or tsunami so this is the perfect opportunity to prepare. If you practice these drills twice a year you have a significantly lower chance of being injured in one of these events. So what do you need to do?

How to ShakeOut
- Sign up at shakeout.govt.nz/signup (takes two minutes).
- Follow the steps at bopcivildefence.govt.nz/get-ready. This includes making an emergency plan, packing a getaway kit and knowing what to do with your pets.
- Conduct the earthquake drill. If you are in a coastal area take a walk to familiarise yourself with your evacuation route in the event of a tsunami.

How to conduct an earthquake drill
Drop to your hands and knees to ensure you don’t fall. 
Cover your head and neck. If possible take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do not move more than three steps. 
Hold onto your head and neck (or protection) until the shaking stops.

How to conduct a tsunami hikoi
Find your evacuation route at bopcivildefence.govt.nz or find your local tsunami map. These maps can also be obtained from your local council. 

It is important to know the natural warning signs. If an earthquake is Long or Strong - Get Gone. If you notice unusual sea water levels or noises coming from the ocean - Get Gone.

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22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.5% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.5% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
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2522 votes
6 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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8 days ago

Longer prescriptions are here

Health NZ

Some people with stable, long-term health conditions may be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months.

People with a 12 month prescription will still collect three months’ supply of medicine at a time, from the pharmacy.

Ask your doctor if 12 month prescriptions are right for you.
Find out more

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