Occurring on Tuesday, 3 February 1931, the M7.4 Hawke’s Bay earthquake (also known as the Napier Earthquake) is recorded as having the largest loss of life and most extensive damage of any quake in New Zealand’s history. The effects of the earthquake were greatest in the towns of Napier and Hastings, but other towns in the Hawke’s Bay also suffered major damage. The maximum intensity reached was MM10 (extreme), with extensive fissures, slumping and landslides occurring over much of Hawke’s Bay.

An excerpt from the Whetton 1931 Napier earthquake footage. Courtesy of Gloria Patterson and the Whetton whānau. | Jesse Mulligan RNZ Afternoons | Facebook

A special service in Heretaunga Hastings to commemorate the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake | Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga