Remembering the 1929 Murchison earthquake

Murchison District Museum and Information Service marked 95 years since the devastating 1929 Murchison earthquake on 17 June.

Museum stalwart Beth McDonald, reflecting on her 12-year tenure, described the earthquake as “the worst day in Murchison’s history”.

She emphasises its profound impact on the settlement, claiming 17 lives from a population of 300.

The earthquake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude, unleashed massive tremors primarily in the remote and mountainous terrain north of Murchison.

Its effects were felt all over New Zealand and the massive rumbling was heard as far away as New Plymouth.

The earthquake triggered landslides and caused significant damage across a vast area encompassing Greymouth, Cape Farewell, and Nelson.

Beth highlights the commemoration’s significance, which began with church bells ringing at 10.17am to honour each casualty.

Attendees then gathered at the memorial gardens for morning tea, where discussions centred on the earthquake’s legacy and the importance of disaster preparedness.

“This year, oddly, the weather was very similar to the day of the quake in 1929, it was overcast, foggy, and cold,” Beth says.

The Murchison earthquake resonates through generations and remains a pivotal chapter in local history.

Its commemoration each year not only honours the lives lost, but also prompts reflection on lessons learned and improves resilience as people consider future adverse events.

As Beth aptly puts it, “It’s part of Murchison’s history, and I don’t think it should be forgotten.”