Ngā Rū Whenua Earthquakes
Earthquakes can happen anytime without warning. New Zealand experiences over 20,000 earthquakes each year, but most are too small to feel. Earthquakes can cause ground shaking and trigger other dangers like landslides, flash floods, fires, and tsunami. Most injuries and deaths from earthquakes are due to falling debris, flying glass, and collapsing buildings.
Although earthquakes are rare in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, they have been felt in the city. It’s important to know how to stay safe by remembering to Drop, Cover, and Hold.
Faults in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland has a small number of active faults located mainly in South Auckland. This includes the Wairoa Fault located in the Hunua Ranges, about 40km southeast of the CBD. If any of these faults were to rupture, it could be dangerous for nearby communities. However, Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is also at risk from shaking caused by large earthquakes outside the region, including as far away as the Hikurangi Margin, off the east coast of the North Island.
Preparing for Earthquakes
- Know what to do: Sign up for the annual Shake Out earthquake drill and practise your DROP, COVER, HOLD. Check out getready.govt.nz for more ways to protect yourself during an earthquake if this is not possible for you.
- Make an emergency plan: Discuss with your family what to do during an earthquake and where to meet if you are separated.
- Secure your space: Fasten heavy furniture to the wall and store breakable items on lower shelves.
- Have emergency supplies: In an emergency, you may be stuck at home for three days or more. Figure out what supplies you need to stay safe and comfortable. Include things like water, food, a torch, batteries and a first aid kit.
- Prepare grab bag: A grab bag is important if you need to evacuate quickly. Unlike your emergency supplies, which are meant for staying in one place, a grab bag has the essentials you’ll need to take with you.
- Drop, cover, and hold: Drop to your hands and knees. Take cover under a sturdy table or cover your head and neck. Hold on until the shaking stops.
- If outside: Move to an open area away from buildings and trees.
- If driving: Pull over to a safe spot, stay in your car, and wait for the shaking to stop.
- Long and Strong? Get Gone: If the earthquake lasts longer than a minute or is strong enough to make it difficult to stand, move quickly to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can out of tsunami evacuation zones.
- Check for injuries: Help those around you and seek medical attention for serious injuries.
- Inspect for hazards: Check for gas leaks, damaged power lines, or unstable buildings. Evacuate if necessary.
- Stay informed: Listen to news and emergency updates. Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Check property damage: Record any damage for insurance purposes, but don’t enter damaged buildings until they are safe.
This factsheet provides key information about active faults in Auckland and guidance on what to do during and after an earthquake.
Know your risk: Use our hazard viewer to explore potential risks for different locations. These maps are for information only, updated regularly, and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.