🌍 Living on the Ring of Fire
Aotearoa New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates meet. This makes us prone to earthquakes and volcanoes. We also face floods, tsunamis, and storms. Being prepared can save lives.
⚠️ Natural Hazards in NZ
🌏
Earthquakes
NZ has 15,000+ earthquakes per year (most too small to feel).
Cause: Movement of tectonic plates along fault lines.
Famous: Christchurch 2011, Kaikōura 2016
🌋
Volcanoes
NZ has several active volcanic areas.
Active: Whakaari, Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, Auckland volcanic field
Risk: Eruptions, lahars (volcanic mudflows), ash
🌊
Tsunami
Large waves caused by undersea earthquakes or landslides.
Warning: If shaking lasts longer than a minute near the coast — move to high ground immediately!
🌧️
Floods & Storms
Heavy rain causes flooding, especially near rivers.
Recent: Cyclone Gabrielle 2023, Auckland flooding
Climate change is making extreme weather more common.
🛡️ Staying Safe
🌏 Earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold
- DROP to your hands and knees
- COVER your head and neck under a table
- HOLD on until shaking stops
🌊 Tsunami: Long or Strong, Get Gone
- If shaking is long (1+ minute) or strong — don't wait for warnings
- Move immediately to high ground or inland
- Don't return until authorities say it's safe
📦 Emergency Kit
Every home should have supplies for 3+ days:
- Water (3L per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Torch, radio, batteries
- First aid kit, medications
- Important documents
More info: getready.govt.nz
✏️ Activities
Activity: Family Emergency Plan
Create a plan with your whānau:
- Meeting place if separated: ___________
- Out-of-town contact person: ___________
- Where is your emergency kit? ___________
- Nearest high ground (for tsunami): ___________
Our family plan:
👩🏫 Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
- Science: Planet Earth — geological processes
- Social Studies: Resilience, community
- Health: Safety, emergency preparedness
Note: Be sensitive — some students may have experienced traumatic events like earthquakes.