Earthquake History in New Zealand

New Zealand is located on the geologically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" with some 14,000 earthquakes recorded annually, most of which are too small to be felt.

The most significant recorded earthquake in terms of magnitude was an 8.2 in Wairarapa on the southern end of the North Island in 1855. Severe shaking occurred in the capital, Wellington, but damage was reduced as the city had been extensively rebuilt in wood after the Marlborough earthquake seven years earlier. This previous earthquake was a magnitude 7.5.

Marlborough is located on the South Island. It destroyed almost all buildings in Wellington constructed of brick or stone.

One of the most devastating earthquakes is known as the Napier earthquake. It occurred in 1931, measured 7.9 and levelled nearly all buildings in the central areas of Napier and Hastings on the North Island. Sadly some 256 people were killed. The earthquake prompted a thorough revision of building codes and due to the era of the quake much of the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style.

Just this week the Pacific Ring of Fire was hit by 2 earthquakes measuring 5.9 and 6.1 in Tonga followed by a a 6.1 quake in East Timor (17 Oct).

Other Articles which may be of interest: -

Earthquake Claims Checklist

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Published with permission of Claim Solutions Pty Ltd.

Insurance Policy

Country: - Australia.

Policy Description: - Mark IV Industrial Special Risks (ISR) policy.

Insurer: - Not specified.

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