'Severe' magnitude 5.9 quake hits North Island
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck New Zealand's North Island near Taumarunui, causing widespread shaking but no reported emergencies. Seismologists noted the event was unusual for the region, which has not seen such activity since records began in the 1800s.
Why it matters
The earthquake serves as a reminder of seismic risks in the region and highlights the importance of geological monitoring and public reporting systems.
A strong earthquake jolted the central North Island early on Saturday.
GeoNet said the 'severe' magnitude 5.9 quake happened around five kilometres southwest of Taumarunui at 4.51am.
The earthquake was nine kilometres deep and the intensity was severe.
The quake was reportedly felt across much of the North Island, including Auckland, and as far as the top of the South.
By 6am, nearly 23,000 'felt reports' had been filed to GeoNet. At least 11 aftershocks, ranging between magnitudes 2.2 and 3.7, followed.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said there were no quake-related callouts at all.
A seismologist told RNZ the earthquake was the first ever recorded in that spot.
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