On February 22, 2011 CE, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.3, struck the city of Christchurch in New Zealand, killing 185 people and causing widespread destruction. This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in New Zealand's history and had a profound impact on the country. The disaster led to significant changes in building practices and disaster response in New Zealand.

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake inspired a significant body of New Zealand literature, including poems and prose that explored the trauma and resilience of the survivors. The event is a key theme in contemporary New Zealand literature, where it is used to examine issues of community, loss, and the relationship between humans and the environment. The earthquake is a notable example in the history of New Zealand literature, often used as a symbol of suffering and recovery.