Jacinda Ardern abruptly halted live TV interview due to earthquake
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was broadcasting live on television during a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Wellington on Monday morning.
The earthquake was centred 30kms north west of Levin on the north island and was felt sharply in Wellington.
Tens of thousands of New Zealander’s reported feeling weak rattling as far north as Auckland and as far south as Dunedin.
Ardern remained unflappable as the earthquake hit, as she explained that the Beehive moves a little more than most.
The Beehive is the executive government building in New Zealand.
“We’re just having a bit of an earthquake here ... quite a decent shake here. If you see things moving behind me,” she said.
The camera shot shakes as Ardern looks around to judge her safety.
“The Beehive moves a little more than most,” she joked.
“It’s just stopped. No, we’re fine. I’m not under any hanging lights, I look like I’m in a structurally sound place.”
Commenters on social media agreed that Ardern keeping calm was the most “New Zealand thing ever”.
Jacinda has the skills to lead NZ; covid19, march 15, economy and she smiles off a large earthquake like it was nothing. What a person. #nzpol @NewshubNZ
— Adamski (@damibott) May 24, 2020