Ministerial Statements — Earthquake—Update

I seek leave to make a ministerial statement, given the disruption to the House by the earthquake about 15 minutes ago.

CHAIRPERSON (Hon Anne Tolley): Is there any objection? There is none.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Again, I am appreciative that the committee was suspended momentarily because of an earthquake about half an hour ago. I can tell the committee that I’ve spoken to Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management officials in the time since it occurred and can confirm that it was, according to GNS Science, a quake of 6.2 at a depth of 207 kilometres, near Taumarunui. Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management staff have been in touch with the Manawatū-Whanganui civil defence and emergency management (CDEM) group and, at this stage, there are no reports of damage. It was, obviously, felt widely across the central North Island.

It’s just a timely reminder, given the ShakeOut was not so long ago, for parliamentarians and also for those listening to remember that they should expect some aftershocks after a decent-sized quake. So be aware of that, and just remember to drop, cover, and hold. Civil Defence staff are keeping in touch with that CDEM group, and as more information comes to hand, hoping everything is all right up there, we’ll update Parliament as necessary.

Thank you very much. We can be very grateful that there is no substantial damage.

Now, when we were talking last on the Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Bill, on Part 1, the Hon Alfred Ngaro was speaking, and he has one minute and 20 seconds left. I’m a bit hesitant! Ha, ha!