Māori have lived alongside and observed natural processes like earthquakes and tsunamis for thousands of years and have communicated preparedness through generations to avoid disasters. But now, disaster risks are higher than ever, towns and cities have been built in vulnerable places and disaster policy and guidelines in Aotearoa rarely acknowledge Māori knowledge or communicating with Māori communities to help whānau prepare. Some Māori-centred DRR (disaster risk and resilience) education tools are being created, but many of these are not well or sustainably funded. More research is needed to support policy and better disaster risk and preparedness communication in Aotearoa.