Busch and Morel Homesteads, Murchison Earthquake, 1929.

About this image

DescriptionAt this spot in the Matakitaki Valley, the mountainous ridge (out of shot in the background) split in the centre and the northern half poured down in a devastating avalanche as a result of the Murchison Earthquake of June 1929. At the back right is the spot where the Busch household was buried at a depth of 80 ft. and with it, Mrs Busch and her son and daughter. In the foreground is the Morel home, which was carried a quarter of a mile away from its original site. Mr Morel died from injuries.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1370-087-01PhotographerNew Zealand HeraldDate of Photo1929Map^[1]External LinkAUCKLAND LIBRARYContributorHeather Newby

Shown in this image

Location (city or town)MurchisonPerson MorelBuschLandmark (Place)Busch and Morel Homesteads

Category Information

Category Tagearthquake

From Facebook

Date Created30th September 2026CommentsCatherine Van Groen
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I had Seymour family in this, I had heard stories but the photo really tells the sad tale.?

Heather Newby
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Catherine Van Groen it must have been so frightening!

David Colombier
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That’s the upper storey of a two story house.

Liz Hay
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My mother remembers the earthquake; she lived on Spray Point Station up the Waihopai Valley, next valley east of the Wairau Valley. She was about six, and remembers the pine trees bending right over and touching the ground, and whipping back up again.

Stephen Busch
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Family gone,

Ash Franklyn
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I remember this slide from geology lectures in the 80's... pretty impressive!

Cross Cosand
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Life is fragile in this country.

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Busch and Morel Homesteads, Murchison Earthquake, 1929.

Editing is temporarily disabled