ShakeOut 2018
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.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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41% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.5% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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32.3% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
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