The All Whites defender scored his first ever goal for English top-flight club West Ham United in a 5-1 FA Cup win over Burnley on Monday but was brought back down to earth just hours later when news of the Christchurch earthquake came through.
“It was a fantastic night but the earthquake put it into perspective,” he told BBC Sport. “It is devastating and my heart goes out to everyone back home.
“I am thinking of them all, especially those who have lost loved ones and had their lives changed because of this,” he added.
“It is not a large country but the spirit amongst the people there will be what gets them through. They will all help each other recover from what has happened.”
The 22-year-old has friends and relatives in the Christchurch area and had some difficulties getting in touch with them.
“The phone lines and cables were all down because of the quake, so it took a bit of time to get through, which was worrying,” he explained.
“I had to get messages through and get them sent on to others but my family and friends are okay. Everything is turned upside down but they are all feeling so fortunate that they are alive. That is the main thing because people have lost their lives, which is tragic.”
The 6.3-magnitude quake struck early on Tuesday afternoon local time and 75 people have so far been confirmed dead with that figure sure to rise.
Reid, who joined London giants West Ham from Danish side FC Midtjylland after catching the eye at the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, says he is still in shock and has been glued to the news for updates.
“Even if you live in a country where earthquakes happen, I don’t think you are ever full prepared for it,” he says.
Reid’s 59th-minute header in the comfortable win over Burnley helped his side book an FA Cup sixth meeting with fellow Premier League club Stoke City.
To see Reid’s first goal for West Ham and the rest of the action from the match click here