New Zealanders were shaken from their slumber by one of the biggest earthquakes to hit their nation on Friday morning.

But despite the danger, and probably because of the realisation there was no significant damage or injuries, the one thing that didn’t crumble was the Kiwis’ renowned stoicism, understatement and sense of humour.

In fact, it’s less an earthquake and more a ‘mirthquake’.

The fact that most quakes, barring of course the most destructive, are just a part of everyday life for most New Zealanders.

While a small tsunami did indeed reach the North Island’s east coast, one local close to shore said unless ordered to evacuate she was going to carry on with the gardening.

However, what has riled some New Zealanders is well-intentioned, but geographically inaccurate, messages from people living overseas who appear to have mistaken the land of the long white cloud for — shock horror — the land of the red dusty earth.

THE east coast of New Zealand was hit by a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake before dawn today, reportedly the largest in the area for 20 years.

The quake’s epicentre was deep in the ocean, northeast of the town of Te Araroa in the Gisborne district of the North Island.

someone invent an app that notifies us living away from home "when u wake you'll see there's been a quake in NZ but everyone is ok be chill" — Di W (@di_f_w) September 1, 2016

7.1 earthquake off the coast of NZ...and nothing happened. Yay NZ building codes! — Dante (@nzaeon) September 1, 2016

NZ hit by an earthquake and is now under a tsunami alert:(( still going to live there I mean keeps u on ur feet🙃 — Wesley Seth Roney (@wes_roney) September 1, 2016

Owner of the Four Square convenience store in Te Araroa, Liz Koia, said the quake was “a bit of a fierce, scary shake” and fled.

But when she returned to check the damage, well let’s just say she’s not one for making a drama out of a crisis.

Ms Koia said “only about 16 muesli bars and some ice cream cones has fallen off the top shelves,” reported stuff.co.nz.

Obligatory part of any NZ earthquake reporting: what fell off the supermarket shelf? — Amnon (@NonnyNZ) September 1, 2016

Tenga Apiata, who was in the coastal settlement of Hicks Bay, ran to a motel for safety with his partner and son.

“That’s the biggest quake we’ve ever had. I’ve been here for 20 something years.

“I jumped up and saved our TV because that was ready to fall over and smash.”

Inspecting his street later, the destruction was clear for all to see, “A lot of people have said their photos have fallen on their walls,” Mr Apiata said.

Love is like an earthquake-unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard part is over you realize how lucky you truly are #R0b0t3rr0r — [R]0b0t[3]rr0r (@R0b0t3rr0r) September 2, 2016

Tokomaru Bay local Marlene Kipa wasn’t fazed, saying tremors were common in her neck of the woods.

She was woken by the shaking but decided to stay in bed anyway.

“People on the east coast are very wary of tsunamis,” she told stuff.co.nz. If the emergency sirens went off she and her husband would leave, but in the meantime, “I’m going to finish mowing my lawn.”

Tsunami Threat CANCELLED but strong & unusual currents are expected for several hours. Stay off beaches & shore areas. DO NOT go sightseeing — Auckland CDEM (@AucklandCDEM) September 1, 2016

Some people went onto social media to commend the “chilled” repose by Kiwis with some saying they slept through the whole thing.

Not so, local MP and cabinet minister Anne Tolley told the New Zealand Herald she was “shaken and rather stirred” after this morning’s quake.

“This was long and enough to get me out of bed and into the doorway and enough to actually get the dog up and barking.”

In dramatic footage one politician filmed his chandelier shaking. A bit.

I would write a major piece on the NZ quake today but I'm back to uni in 2 days & need to pack. Normal poor timing of interesting quakes... — J H Gurney (@UKEQ_Bulletin) September 1, 2016

After the quake hit, one motel owner inspected the premises to find a worried guest outside his room. He told them there was nothing to worry about and got them some toast. Because nothing bad happens if there’s time for toast.

Prime Minister John Key clearly didn’t think it’s something to get too worked up about. He went on the radio this morning not to talk about earthquake damage but how first home buyers should look at apartments as a good investment option.

"I hope the Opera house & Harbour Bridge survived the earthquake, we will be watching and praying for your town #PrayforMelbourne" — Livi the skivvy (@_snozzberry_) September 1, 2016

"We met an Australian chap called Tim when we were travelling through Adelaide a few years back, I hope he's ok in the earthquake" — Livi the skivvy (@_snozzberry_) September 1, 2016

But some Kiwis have taken umbrage at the well-meaning messages of support from faraway which look to have confused New Zealand for Australia.

When Americans hear about a quake in NZ pic.twitter.com/eXIxFisvJ5 — Naly_D (@Naly_D) September 1, 2016

One Tweet doing the rounds reportedly details a social media conversation between two Americans wondering of their friend in Australia made it out unscathed from the quake. Well, the two countries are close enough.