Feel the shake, without the risk – at MTG Hawke’s Bay
A powerful new experience is now open in Hawke’s Bay. Shockwave, a redeveloped exhibition at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri, features a brand-new shake house that gives visitors the chance to feel what a real earthquake is like – without the risk.
Free and designed for all ages – from curious kids to lifelong learners – this is a must-see experience for locals and visitors alike.
A tribute to the 1931 quake
“Earthquakes are a big part of our story in New Zealand, and the 1931 earthquake really did shape the region, so telling that story to our own people along with visitors is important,” says MTG Museum Director, Laura Vodanovich.
“This is also a wonderful opportunity for us to raise public awareness of how to protect yourself and your home in an earthquake.”
The newly redeveloped Shockwave exhibition is dedicated to Hawke’s Bay’s most devastating natural disaster – the 1931 earthquake that killed 256 people and permanently reshaped the region.
The new exhibition expanding the current narrative of individual and social impact stories with a focus on the wider Hawke’s Bay story. It blends personal stories of loss and survival with new themes of geological science and mātauranga Māori. Visitors will encounter the story of Rūaumoko, the god of earthquakes and volcanoes, and learn how the natural forces that formed our whenua still affect our lives today.
This mix of history, science, and cultural knowledge brings the past to life – while preparing people for the future.
Earthquake damage, High Street, Waipawa, purchase, collection of Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Tā-ū-rangi, 2023/2/8
Prepare to protect what matters most
The shake house, funded by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, is part of a shared commitment to help communities better understand the risks they live with – and the simple actions they can take to stay safer.
“The beautiful land we live in exists because of the powerful natural forces that have shaped it,” says Hamish Armstrong, Public Education Manager at the Natural Hazards Commission.
“Past events like the 1931 earthquake are an enduring reminder that natural hazards are part of living in New Zealand. We all need to take steps to reduce the impact of future events on our homes, people, and communities.”
The exhibition includes a digital media hub packed with expert advice, showing easy ways to make your home more resilient – from securing tall furniture to checking your foundations.
Educating the next generation
With over 200,000 visitors each year and an education programme that reaches more than 6,000 students, MTG Hawke’s Bay is a key platform for public learning. The museum is also updating its earthquake education programmes to align with the new exhibition, supporting the next generation to understand risk and build resilience.
Plan your visit
Whether you’re a local reflecting on the region’s past or a visitor keen to learn more about Aotearoa’s natural hazards, Shockwave offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Entry is free. The exhibition is now open at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri(external link).