Shake Month 2026
Get prepared this Shake Month with free public talks, family activities and New Zealand’s nationwide ShakeOut earthquake drill.
Throughout October, hear from emergency experts and scientists about the hazards we face, what they could mean for Palmy and practical steps you can take to be better prepared.
Come along to one or more of our free Shake Month events, take part in ShakeOut, or do both.
Event details
Dates: 6 to 29 October 2026
Locations: Central Library and Palmy Conference + Function Centre
Cost: Free
Don’t wait for the woah! Natural hazards and your home
Learn more about the natural hazards that could affect your home and what you can do now to reduce the risks.
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake and Council’s Emergency Management team will talk about local risks, answer your questions and share practical tips to help you and your whānau prepare.
There’ll also be VR headsets, games and activities to explore before the talk begins.
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Doors open: 6.30pm
Talk starts: 7pm
Venue: Central Library
Cost: Free
Catastrophic events
What happens when a major emergency affects an entire community?
Hear from the National Emergency Management Agency about catastrophic events and the impacts they can have on communities, organisations and the critical services we rely on.
Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026
Time: 7pm
Venue: Palmy Conference + Function Centre
Address: 354 Main Street, Palmerston North
Cost: Free
The science of emergencies
Explore the science behind emergencies, risk and resilience with Kate from Illuminate Science.
This free talk will look at emergencies through a scientific lens and share practical insights that can help individuals, workplaces and communities become more resilient.
Date: Thursday 29 October 2026
Time: 7pm
Venue: Palmy Conference + Function Centre
Address: 354 Main Street, Palmerston North
Cost: Free
Take part in ShakeOut
ShakeOut is New Zealand’s nationwide earthquake drill and a chance to practise what to do when an earthquake happens.
Taking part is a simple way to practise the right safety actions and check whether there are any gaps in your household, workplace or organisation’s emergency procedures.