Just one week until New Zealand’s largest ever earthquake drill - Exercise Shakeout and Hawke’s Bay has reached its target of having more than 35,000 locals taking part.

As of today more than 36,300 Hawke’s Bay people have registered to ‘Drop, Cover and Hold’ at 9.26am on Wednesday 26 September.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald is delighted with the number of Hawke’s Bay people who’ve already registered for Shakeout, and is hoping more will sign up before next Wednesday.

"There is still time for others to register, and it’s easy. Simply visit the Shakeout website and it’ll take two minutes to sign up," says Mr Macdonald.

The earthquake drill is the focal point of New Zealand ShakeOut because it is a clear, simple action that people can take to help prepare them for an earthquake. It is also a first step, and encourages people to look at their preparedness in more detail.

People can register at www.getthru.govt.nz