An earthquake measuring magnitude 5.4 has been detected near Kermadec Islands region, occurring at 11:59 UTC on Friday, September 4, 2026. Here is everything you need to know about what happened, what it means, and what to do.
The Basics
According to USGS data, this earthquake originated at a depth of 10.0 km beneath the surface. At a focal depth of 10.0 km, this is classified as a shallow earthquake (0–70 km). Shallow events are typically the most damaging: the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in stronger and more abrupt ground shaking at the epicentre.
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake is considered a moderate event. In practical terms, this means it is felt strongly by everyone; minor to moderate damage possible in vulnerable buildings.
Why Does This Area Get Earthquakes?
New Zealand straddles the boundary between the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates. In the South Island, the Alpine Fault accommodates plate motion directly, while the North Island sits above the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate.
New Zealand experiences around 15,000 earthquakes per year, of which about 100–150 are strong enough to be felt. The 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence — including the devastating M6.2 Christchurch aftershock of February 2011 — killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city centre, profoundly reshaping New Zealand's approach to earthquake resilience.
How Much Energy Is That, Really?
The magnitude scale can be deceptive to non-specialists because it looks like a simple number. In reality, it is logarithmic: each step up releases around 32 times more energy.
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake releases approximately the equivalent of a large mining explosion or small nuclear device of energy. For comparison, this exceeds the energy released by most conventional explosive events and is sufficient to shift tectonic stress in measurable ways across a wide region.
Moderate earthquakes are felt by virtually everyone near the epicentre. Strong shaking lasting 10–30 seconds can topple unsecured items, crack plaster, and cause poorly anchored objects to fall. Aftershocks are common following moderate events.
Should People Be Worried?
Significant damage can occur to vulnerable structures — particularly unreinforced masonry, old adobe buildings, and poorly maintained older construction. Well-engineered modern buildings are designed to withstand this level of shaking with minimal structural impact, though contents may shift and non-structural elements (ceilings, partitions) can be damaged.
Aftershocks are a normal part of the earthquake process and should be expected in the hours and days following any notable event. Most aftershocks are smaller than the main shock, but they can be significant — and structures weakened by the main event may be more vulnerable to subsequent shaking.
Staying Safe
After an earthquake, expect aftershocks. Check yourself and others for injuries. Inspect your surroundings for hazards before moving — broken glass, gas leaks (smell), downed power lines, and structural damage. If you suspect a gas leak, open windows and evacuate without using electrical switches or open flames.
The internationally recommended action during earthquake shaking is Drop, Cover, and Hold On: drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy table or desk (or protect your head with your arms if no shelter is available), and hold on until shaking stops. Do not run outside during shaking — most injuries occur when people attempt to move.
GeoNet (operated by GNS Science) monitors New Zealand's earthquakes in near real-time. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) coordinates civil defence responses. New Zealand's "ShakeOut" national earthquake drill occurs annually.
For real-time updates on this earthquake and all seismic activity worldwide, visit our live earthquake map. You can also read our full earthquake safety guide for detailed preparedness advice.
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