Geotechnical Engineering NZ

Magnitude 4.9 earthquake near WNW of Turangi, New Zealand

M 4.9📅 09/05/2026 21:52 UTC📍 227 km

On 09/05/2026 21:52 UTC a magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred near WNW of Turangi, New Zealand. Hypocentre depth: 227 km. Coordinates: -38.790°, 175.135°.

Event technical data

MagnitudeM 4.9
Depth227 km
Coordinates-38.7898°, 175.1351°
Time (UTC)2026-05-09 21:52 UTC
Location62 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand

Seismic context

Technical analysis: New Zealand straddles the boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates (Alpine Fault, Hikurangi subduction margin), giving it very high seismicity.

Geotechnical relevance

For geotechnical engineering in New Zealand, monitoring local seismicity supports site-specific hazard assessment, liquefaction screening of saturated sands, seismic slope-stability checks and foundation design for dynamic loads. Each recorded event refines local ground-motion and attenuation models.

Official source

GeoNet (GNS Science) — official national earthquake monitoring authority. Visit GeoNet (GNS Science) →

Cross-checked with the global USGS catalogue.

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