A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off New Zealand's East Cape in September 2016, causing widespread shaking across the North Island but no casualties.
Key Facts
- Magnitude
- 7.1 Mw
- Date & Time
- 2 September 2016, 04:37:55 NZST
- Epicentre distance from Te Araroa
- 125 km north-east
- Focal depth
- 22 km
- Casualties
- None reported
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The earthquake resulted from seismic activity along the tectonic structures off the East Cape of New Zealand's North Island, a region lying near the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates where significant seismic stress regularly accumulates.
On 2 September 2016 at 04:37 NZST, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck with its epicentre 125 km north-east of Te Araroa at a focal depth of 22 km. The tremor was widely felt throughout the North Island and the upper South Island of New Zealand.
Despite the earthquake's considerable magnitude, there were no reported casualties and buildings suffered only minor damage. The event highlighted the seismic resilience of the region's built environment and reinforced New Zealand's preparedness for large earthquake events.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 0 (earthquake)