Half a million New Zealanders have already signed-up for the ShakeOut national earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi.

The Wellington Zoo was the 500,000th to sign-up, with just over two months to go until the ShakeOut.

According to Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi, Wellington Zoo welcomes over 250,000 people through its door each year so it’s great to see the “amazing” preparedness plans they have in place to accommodate their guests, staff and animals.

“It’s my hope that all community organisations, workplaces and households use ShakeOut as a reminder to check their preparedness plans and emergency supplies,” he said.

This year the Ministry for Civil Defence & Emergency management has added a tsunami hikoi because, for people living near the coast, the most important thing to do may actually be to start the walk to a safe location.

“All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and our coastlines of tsunami,” Faafoi said. “This is why it so important that we practice the right actions to take, and ShakeOut teaches us that. We can’t predict when one will happen or where we will be, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and our families.”

The New Zealand ShakeOut 2018 drill and tsunami hikoi is taking place on October 18.