Ngā Rū Whenua Earthquakes

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth, caused by sudden movement and energy within the Earth’s crust, usually on faults. Faults are fractures that go deep within the Earth’s crust. Tension builds along faults as the tectonic plates move.

New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, so earthquakes happen here every day. Most are too small, too deep, or too far offshore to be noticed.

However, a strong, damaging earthquake can happen at any time, and can can cause ground shaking and trigger other emergencies like landslides, flash floods, fires, and tsunami.

This map shows the faults within the Auckland region. Note that the Paerata, Pukekohe and Aka Aka Faults require more research to understand their risks, as recent mapping has just recently identified these features.

Before an Earthquake

• Know your action: Sign up for the annual Shake Out earthquake drill and practice your Drop, Cover and Hold. Check out getready.govt.nz for alternative ways to protect yourself during an earthquake if this is not possible for you.
• Know your surroundings: Consider somewhere close to you, no more than a few steps away, at home, work, or school that you could use to shelter from falling debris. This could be under a strong table, or away from windows that could shatter, and tall furniture that could fall over.
• Make a plan: Discuss with your whānau (family) what to do during an earthquake and where your meeting place will be if you're separated. 
• Prepare your property: Falling objects and shattered glass result in most earthquake-related injuries and deaths. You can reduce the impacts by making sure objects that can fall and injure you are either placed somewhere else, or fixed and fastened. Check with your insurer and understand what would be covered should an earthquake impact your home.
• Have emergency supplies: In an emergency, you could be stuck at home for an extended period, or need to leave quickly. Consider what supplies you would need to stay safe and comfortable for at least three days, and what your separate grab bag should contain. Include essentials like water, food, torch/batteries, and a first aid kit.

During an Earthquake

• Stay where you are: In an earthquake, many injuries are caused by people moving during or immediately after the shaking. You do not have to evacuate a building straight away unless it is showing obvious signs of distress, or if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone. Running outside risks getting hit by falling bricks, concrete, and glass.
• If you are inside:  Move to shelter only if it is a few steps away, such as a nearby strong table or desk, then;

- Drop down on your hands and knees.

- Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk.

- Hold on to your shelter, or your position, to protect your head and neck until the shaking stops.

• If you are outside: Find a clear area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, powerlines, slopes and cliffs. These may fall and cause injuries during an earthquake. Then Drop, Cover, and Hold.
• If you are in bed: Stay, Cover, Hold. Stay in bed. Cover yourself by pulling the sheets and blankets over you. Hold your pillow over you to protect your head and neck.
• If you are driving: Pull over to a safe spot, stay in your car, and wait for the shaking to stop. Once it's stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges, tunnels, cliffside roads, ramps, or any features that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
• Long or Strong? Get Gone: If the earthquake lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough to make it difficult to stand, only then should you consider leaving to move quickly to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, out of tsunami evacuation zones.

After an Earthquake

• Expect more shaking: Each time you feel the ground shake, Drop, Cover and Hold. Aftershocks can occur minutes, days, weeks, months and even years following an earthquake.
• Check for injuries: Help those around you and get first aid if necessary.
• Inspect for hazards: Check for gas leaks, damaged power lines, and if the building you're in is stable. If you see sparks, broken wires, or damaged electrical systems, turn off the electricity at the mains if it is safe to do so.
• Check property damage: Only enter damaged buildings if it is safe to do so. Take photos and videos of any damage to your home and talk to your insurer to check how to make a claim if you can no longer live safely in your home, or sustained damage as a result of the earthquake.
• Stay informed: Tune in to official information channels for news and emergency updates. Geonet is another source for national information on earthquakes, which you can also use to submit a 'Felt it?' report.