Earthquakes in New Zealand

Like many other countries located on the edge of tectonic plates, New Zealand frequently experiences earthquakes. New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, and this is why volcanic activity, mountain building and earthquakes are so prominent in the country. Earthquakes and tectonic activity result from movements of the earth's crust along active faults. Some of New Zealand's currently active faults, such as the Alpine Fault, are among the world's major geological features. Along these faults earthquakes occur very frequently (approximately 14,000 earthquakes occur per year), although most are not strong enough to be felt. Many others, although felt (approximately 200), do not result in any damage. However, New Zealand has also a history of severe destruction and injury caused by more powerful earthquakes. The largest city within high risk earthquake zone is the nation's capital, Wellington, followed by Napier and Hastings. All these cities have experienced severe earthquakes since European settlement.As a nation, New Zealand takes perverse pride in its seismic volatility and the nickname Shaky Isles is sometimes used for the country.The New Zealand Earthquake Commission (EQC) provides public education to much of the country. As outlined in its statement of intent it hopes to provide "public education about seismic hazards and methods of reducing or preventing seismic disaster damage." The EQC sponsors exhibitions on seismic hazards in the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and is responsible for social marketing campaigns. An extensive advertising campaign by the EQC across New Zealand's main television networks ran from June 2005 to June 2006. The adverts outlined the risks earthquakes pose to New Zealand and measures households can take to "Quake Safe their house." The slogan used throughout EQC Quake Safe campaigns is "Fix. Fasten. Forget."