One Double X became a major source of information for Bay of Plenty residents during the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake . Local newsreader Chris Bullen provided an initial report on 2 March that " a series of what the D.S.I.R. describes as major earthquakes have hit the Eastern Bay of Plenty this afternoon " . The station was taken off-air for 30 to 40 minutes due to a landline disconnection , but a radio link allowed the station to get back on air . Announcer Cliff Stockwell and newsreader Chris Bullen hosted around-the-clock coverage , while outdoor broadcast equipment allowed staff to provide live updates from the Civil Defence bases in Whakatane , Kawerau and Edgecumbe . A similar approach was taken to reporting a mini tornado in Whakatane later that year
1987 Edgecumbe earthquake
1987 Edgecumbe earthquake
Radio Bay of Plenty