Distribution[edit]
Most earthquakes in New Zealand occur along the main ranges running from Fiordland in the southwest to East Cape in the northeast. This axis follows the boundary between the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates. Large earthquakes are less common along the central Alpine Fault, where the plates are not subducting and the forces are accommodated in different ways.
The largest city within this high-risk zone is the nation's capital, Wellington, followed by Hastings then Napier. All these cities have experienced severe earthquakes since European settlement.
Societal effects[edit]
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Quite early on, European settlers were faced with the reality of earthquakes in their new home. On 26 May 1840, the new settlement at Port Nicholson was struck by the first of a number of earthquakes and tremors.[2] Today earthquakes are a common part of New Zealand society and people have become well equipped to deal with them. Each year sees at least one Magnitude 6.0 earthquake or above.
Public education[edit]
The New Zealand Earthquake Commission (EQC) provides public education to much of the country. As outlined in its statement of intent, it hopes to provide "public education about seismic hazards and methods of reducing or preventing seismic disaster damage." The EQC sponsors exhibitions on seismic hazards in the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and is responsible for social marketing campaigns.[3] An extensive advertising campaign by the EQC across New Zealand's main television networks ran from June 2005 to June 2006. The adverts outlined the risks earthquakes pose to New Zealand and measures households can take to "Quake Safe their house." The slogan used throughout EQC Quake Safe campaigns is "Fix. Fasten. Forget."[4] Additionally, in October 2006, many households received free "EQ-IQ" fridge magnets from the EQC.[5]
Building regulations[edit]
Early settlers learned fairly quickly the importance of using appropriate building methods in an earthquake-prone country. The 1848 earthquake, centred in Marlborough, caused great damage to the brick and masonry buildings in Wellington, and the city was rebuilt mainly in wood; consequently it suffered comparatively little damage in the 8.2 magnitude earthquake of 1855, which lifted the land 2–3m.[6]
Many buildings in Hastings and Napier were damaged in the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake. New building regulations meant that any new buildings constructed afterwards attempted to take earthquake shaking into account in building design.[6]
Notable earthquakes[edit]