Supporting the shakeout kaupapa

Tairāwhiti has achieved the highest national participation rate in ShakeOut 2023 for the third consecutive year, with 24% of its population signing up for New Zealand's annual earthquake and tsunami drill.

The region saw 12,415 individuals, 70 businesses, 63 schools, and 269 households register, outpacing the West Coast at 22% and Southland at 17%. Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Manager Ben Green expressed reassurance at the region's commitment to practising evacuation procedures.