Hikurangi Subduction Zone

All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes. We can’t predict when one will happen, but we can protect ourselves and our whānau.

In the Thames-Coromandel district, the Hikurangi Subduction Zone is the main earthquake threat to the area. It is potentially the largest source of earthquake and tsunami hazard in New Zealand and as a North Island peninsula, the Coromandel is at particular risk.

What is the Hikurangi Subduction Zone?

The Hikurangi plate boundary, located off the East Coast of the North Island, is where the Pacific tectonic plate subducts (or dives underneath) the Australian tectonic plate. This is called a subduction zone. It runs along the East Coast of the North Island, down to Kaikoura in the South Island. Research shows there is a one-in-four chance of a major Hikurangi Subduction Zone event in the next 50 years.

Why is this important?

New research from Waikato Group Emergency Management Office and the Institute Geological Nuclear Sciences Ltd (GNS) modelled a magnitude 9.1 earthquake from the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. It found the whole Waikato region was exposed to associated hazards such as ground-shaking, liquefaction and earthquake induced landslides at varying levels. In addition to these hazards, the Coromandel peninsula was particular at risk of tsunami.

What you need to know:

If a significant earthquake happens in the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, the North Island’s east coast and Coromandel Peninsula are likely to experience the greatest impacts. If you live locally, remember: If it’s long or strong, get gone.

Other ways you can be prepared for an earthquake and potential tsunami include:

Have a whare/home emergency plan.
Have a wāhi-mahi/workplace emergency plan (there’s no guarantee you will be at home in a natural disaster).
Have enough food and drinkable water to last up to two weeks (including for pets). You don’t need to buy two weeks-worth of food all at once, add a few extra cans/ long-life food with every shop – including pet food, nappies and infant milk powder if needed.
Ask to see emergency plans for your children’s kura/school/ECE or aged care facilities for older whānau/family members, so if you are separated, you have peace of mind about how loved ones will be supported until you can be reunited.
Take into consideration anyone in your household with health concerns or disabilities. Will you have enough medication for up to two weeks? Talk to your GP about having extra medication for emergency situations.

There is plenty of other helpful information about the Hikurangi Subduction Zone and what you can do to prepare. Check out the links below for more information.

Whangamatā estuary all clear

Coromandel Town treated wastewater warning

Hikurangi Subduction Zone