Draft:1963 Peria earthquake

The 1963 Peria earthquake occurred on 22 December local time in the Northland region of New Zealand, with an estimated magnitude of 5.1 - 5.3. The maximum recorded intensity of the earthquake on the Mercalli intensity scale is believed to have been VII (Very Strong).

The earthquake's epicenter is shown to be in the middle of the rural regions of Northland, and suggests that the townships of Peria and Kaeo and other smaller surrounding settlements were affected the most in terms of intensity (Strong - Very Strong). With Northland's generally safe geology, the quake's origin may have started from an old fault that runs through the area.

Kaitaia, with a population of around 3,000 people at the time of the quake, is the largest settlement to widely feel the earthquake which is believed to have been an intensity of V (Moderate) locally. Structual damage in Kaitaia little to no concern and generally caused much of a surprise among residents. Seismicity in the Northland region is extremely rare and the region itself is deemed to be tectonically stable and generally the safest in New Zealand with no known active faults mapped or noted in the areas. The region's safeness is then followed by Auckland.

Damage evident in the township of Kaeo where the local post office sustained cracks in the chimney with items and books scattered and moved across the floor. A school in the settlement of Otangaroa nearby had damage to concrete footpaths with slight uplift. The intensity of the places affected had an intensity assigned of at least VI (Very Strong). In addition to all of this, the only natural damage the earthquake caused was a minor slip scar left behind near Akatere Trig.