1987 - Earthquake

On Monday 2 March 1987 at 1.35 pm, an earthquake of 5.2M struck, which cut the power supply. As people moved away from heavy machinery, a second earthquake struck at 1.42 pm, at a depth of 8 km. Its magnitude was 6.5, which was followed by a severe aftershock nine minutes later, measuring 5.6M. All were centred on the Rangitaiki Plains, with the most severe damage in the township of Edgecumbe.

The plains substation was severely damaged, and Power Board staff isolated at Āniwhenua are able to re-route electricity to Whakatāne Hospital and essential services within hours.