On average, we locate over 20,000 earthquakes a year through the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre. Around 100-150 of these quakes are large enough to be felt – the others we only know about because they are recorded by our network of sensors.

So why do we get so many earthquakes? Watch our new video and find out!

Watch video on YouTube Here

Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique geographical and geological place in the Pacific. Videos like this play a role in helping with the understanding of the geohazards we face. This will spark conversations which will ultimately lead to increased readiness and resilience towards our country’s natural hazards.

Earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time. In the event of a large earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold.

Remember Long or Strong, Get Gone : If you are near the coast, or a lake, and feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up OR a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, out of tsunami evacuation zones.

Know what to do?

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has a great website with information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Prepare your home. Protect your whānau.

There’s a lot we can do to make our homes safer and stronger for natural hazards. Toka Tū Ake EQC’s website has key steps to get you started.

Media Contact: 021 574 541 or media@gns.cri.nz