Earthquake expert Kate Boersen (pictured) shared tips on how to survive a natural disaster at a seminar held in the Memorial Pavillion on Tuesday night.

The evening, entitled “It starts before the Shake” brought an audience of about 25 out on a rainy night.

Ōpōtiki District Council, emergency management officer Tina Gedson said the talk provided an opportunity to discuss what “the next big thing” could be for our district and how we respond.

“Kate had plenty of technical information and modelling on the different hazards like earthquakes or tsunami or landslides,” Ms Gedson said.

“She reiterated was that responsibility rests with each of us. There is no warehouse of helicopters or people ready to spring into action when an emergency hits. We all need to take responsibility for our own plans and preparations for different emergencies, which is why all the work really does happen before the shake.

“Huge thanks go to everyone who made the evening possible – particularly Kate for coming across and sharing her insights and expertise. Also, Emergency Management Bay of Plenty for their support and National Hazards Commission for funding.”