Western Bay residents are not rushing to stock up on emergency supplies in the wake of the magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Wellington on Sunday however, a survival kit stocked by one supermarket is proving a good seller.
Mount Maunganui New World general merchandise manager Genene McGarvey said she ordered the kits as a trial product eight months ago.
"We've sold so many," she said.
"I wasn't sure whether they would cut the mustard but they are certainly proving to be a popular product. People see them as a necessity, just in case."
The store also sold a lot of bottled water.
"People are obviously just a little bit vigilant about making sure they are going to be alright if something did happen."
The kits included a can opener, torch, knife, emergency blanket and much more, with room for people to add items.
None of the five other Western Bay supermarkets contacted by the Bay of Plenty Times had noticed an increase in sales of items usually seen in emergency survival kits, either.
Papamoa Pak'nSave noticed increased demand for such items after the tsunami in Japan and the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 and decided to put together a pack of emergency items. Grocery manager Glenn Macdonald said they stocked the packs for a while but, with little demand, the line was dropped.
Tauranga and Western Bay Civil Defence emergency management operations manager Alan Pearce hoped the latest earthquake would remind people to check emergency supplies and stock up: "They should have an emergency kit and a get-away kit prepared. They should've stored water and have and alternate method of heating and cooking ... you just never know."
People also needed to be aware of the best action to take. In an earthquake, people should drop, cover and hold, Mr Pearce said.
Tauranga resident Ian Taylor was visiting his daughter in Wellington when the quake struck on Sunday. Julie Taylor, 25, moved there from Tauranga almost eight years ago.
"It was the largest one I've ever felt," she said.
"It was one of those ones where you actually heard it coming. You could actually see my block of flats moving. My father was sitting on the couch and I could see him moving."
Shops in Wellington's suburbs were yesterday crowded with people stocking up in case of another big shake, Miss Taylor said.
Joseph McGregor, owner of Papamoa's Shi Sei Kan Karate Club, was at the nationals in Porirua when the quake hit: "The whole place shook ... Some people went for doors, other people stood there, stunned. It gave me a fright."
Emergency Survival Items
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Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging torch -
Radio with spare batteries -
Wind and waterproof clothing, sun hats, and strong outdoor shoes. -
First-aid kit and essential medicines -
Blankets or sleeping bags -
Pet supplies -
Toilet paper and large rubbish bags for your emergency toilet -
Face and dust masks -
Food and water for at least three days -
Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children -
Water for drinking. At least 3 litres per person, per day -
Water for washing and cooking -
A primus or gas barbecue to cook on -
A can opener -
Important documents: identification such as birth and marriage certificates, driver's licences and passports; and financial documents such as insurance policies and mortgage information. -
Check batteries every three months and check and replace food and water every 12 months.
