A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit 130 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa in the early hours of this morning. It was felt from Northland to Wellington in the North Island and in the top of the South Island. A 30 centimetre tsunami was triggered by the quake.
There were a series of aftershocks after the initial quake at 2.37am AEST. The first was a 6.2 magnitude shock at 3.14 AEST, and by 5.10am AEST 57 aftershocks had occurred.
GNS scientist Anna Keiser told SMH the earthquake would have been felt by many as a “long rolling motion”.
After the first shock, a tsunami warning was issued for the North Island’s East Coast and the upper South Island by New Zealand’s Civil Defence. The warning was cancelled at 6:30 AEST, with the only tsunami activity being 30 centimetres high.
There have been no reports of significant damage or injuries — although 1,000 Eastern Bay of Plenty homes are currently without power — and despite initial evacuations the locals seem to be taking everything in their stride.
You know you live in New Zealand when you wake up at 4.30 am to an earthquake happening #earthquake #newzealand #shake #justcasually
— Hannah. (@hanban333) September 1, 2016
A 5.7 magnitude quake was also recorded at 8.04am AEST on 1 September, 100 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa.