This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
On Monday, a substantial earthquake struck New Zealand, causing widespread shaking and prompting tens of thousands of residents to scramble for cover.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was in the midst of a live television interview when the earthquake hit, approximately 20 miles northwest of Levin, roughly an hour's drive from the capital.
According to the country's seismology agency, the tremor occurred at a depth of 23 miles and lasted for less than 30 seconds.
Ms. Ardern, known for her calm demeanor in crisis situations, took the earthquake in stride, saying, "We're just having a bit of an earthquake here, Ryan, quite a decent shake."
She reassured the host, Ryan Bridge, that the building she was in was structurally strong and that he shouldn't worry about things moving behind her, as the building "moves a little more than most."
When the shaking stopped, Ms. Ardern continued the interview, stating, "I'm not under any hanging lights, and looks like I am in a structurally strong place."
Ms. Ardern's composure during the earthquake is consistent with her past behavior in crisis situations, including the Christchurch terrorist attack, the White Island volcano eruption, and the coronavirus outbreak, which New Zealand has largely managed to get under control.
