Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time. Knowing what to do during an earthquake can help protect you and your property.

Visit the Get Ready(external link) website for what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

New Zealand sits on two tectonic plates called the Pacific and the Australian. 

Some parts of the South Island sit on the Australian Plate, while the rest of the South Island sits on the Pacific Plate that has ongoing tectonic activity driven from the Ring of Fire.