I was rummaging through the GeoNet site over the weekend, and read about the Taihape Landslide. And it got me thinking about how this whole earthquake thing has been such a surprise to all the geology boffins, and I wondered if there might not be a slab involved - possibly in conjunction with a fault. I suppose in a sense, the entire earth's surface is a collection of slabs (although referred to as plates), so in a fashion the answer to my question is 'Yes'. But in light of that musing, I wonder if anyone is thinking about the possibility of long-term instability and the far-reaching ramifications this will have for all in the immediate area - especially if what we are seeing is essentially a very large horizontal landslide in slow-motion? So, what do others think? Does anyone know a geologist or seismologist who might care to comment or speculate on my pondering?