An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale shook both the North and South Islands on 14th November just after midnight, causing road closures and disruption to water and transport services. The Kaikoura coast suffered widespread damage following the quake, as have parts of Canterbury and Wellington. Military staff and helicopters have been dispatched to some of the affected regions, which have activated their Civil Defence protocols.
Aftershocks continued to rattle the east coast of the South Island. At time of writing, GeoNet reported more than 60 aftershocks that measured about magnitude 4.5, and three over 6. Most aftershocks were felt around the Seddon area, about 105km north of Kaikoura.
Foodstuffs announced on Monday morning that the following stores are currently closed while clean-up or engineering assessment is underway:
Wellington region
o New World Railway
o New World Porirua
Canterbury region
o New World Kaikoura
o Four Square Kaikoura
o Henry’s Kaikoura
o Four Square Cheviot
o Four Square Culverton (expected to open again at midday on Monday)
A spokesperson said: “We would like to advise customers that outside of the affected areas all New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores are open and operational as normal. Stores have plenty of product on the shelf and it is business as usual – we encourage customers to shop as normal which will help ensure the business can focus on the affected areas and helping stores that are currently closed clean up and re-open.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by last night’s earthquake and our priority at this time is ensuring our staff are safe and affected stores are supported.”
Supporting communities
Countdown posted on social media on Monday morning: “We have had no reports of injuries to any of our team and will be doing everything we can to support our team and communities following last night’s earthquakes.
The following Countdown stores are currently closed; Blenheim, Redwoodtown and Springlands in the South Island and Queensgate Mall, Wainuiomata Mall, Petone, Lower Hutt and Porirua in the Wellington region. The SuperValue store in Seddon is also closed.
All other stores remain open.
Our online shopping service is also affected in the following areas: Nelson, Blenheim, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Kilbirnie and Porirua. No new orders will be accepted in these areas and there will also be disruptions to deliveries in the Christchurch area.
All stores are being assessed for damages and we will post updates here throughout the day as we do anticipate some of the store listed above to re-open today.”
Meanwhile, Kiwi Property advised that inspections are currently being undertaken by structural engineers on its Wellington properties: The Majestic Centre, The Aurora Centre and 44 The Terrace in Wellington, and North City Shopping Centre in Porirua. Northlands Shopping Centre in Christchurch has opened this morning, following precautionary engineering inspections. The Plaza Shopping Centre in Palmerston North is also open for trade this morning, following precautionary inspections.
