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New Zealand Prime Minister Keeps Cool as 5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Press Conference

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake was felt by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a press conference in Wellington, on Friday morning, October 22.

Ardern was holding a press conference announcing a new COVID-19 framework in Wellington when the earthquake struck roughly 360 km away in Taumarunui on the country’s North Island, according to GeoNet

In footage streamed live on Facebook, Ardern can be seen reacting to the shaking and gripping her podium, before calmly turning back to the reporter and saying, “Ah, sorry, a slight distraction – would you mind repeating that question?” Credit: Jacinda Ardern via Storyful