More than 1.2 million people have taken part in the New Zealand ShakeOut this morning.
Civil Defence wanted as many Kiwis as possible to practise the drop, cover and hold drill, which means dropping to the ground when an earthquake hits, taking cover by getting under a sturdy desk or table and holding on until the shaking stops.
Schools and offices around the country participated in the exercise, including travellers at Wellington Airport.
Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown took part in the drill at the airport's main terminal and in Auckland, the New Zealand Breakers and the Auckland Council held a special event in the central city.
A number of local community events were also organised throughout the country and a number of radio stations broadcast a Civil Defence siren to mark the start of the drill.
Director of Civil Defence emergency management John Hamilton says he wants the ShakeOut to be more than just a one-off drill.
"Immediately after the drill is a good time for people to stop and talk about the drill, what they did, what might happen in a real earthquake, talk about their preparedness and also consider other emergencies," he says.
"Many of the things people do to prepare for an earthquake are also important for other emergencies."
NZN