It struck 710km north-east of Gisborne early this morning.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which struck off the coast of Gisborne in the early hours of Friday morning, was felt across New Zealand.
The quake was 33km deep, and about 700km north-east of Gisborne.
It happened at 12.49 am, with nearly 9000 reports of people having felt it on the GeoNet website.
A 7.4 magnitude Earthquake struck of the coast on Gisborne on Thursday night and was felt widely across New Zealand
It was felt as far south as Dunedin, with strong shaking felt across the east coast of the North Island.
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The National Emergency Management Agency issued a warning that the quake could create a tsunami, but later confirmed there was no risk to New Zealand.
Some coast areas may experience strong currents and unpredictable surges, and the Waikato Region Emergency Management Group has warned people to stay out of the water.
“Please remember that although there was no tsunami threat in the wee hours, the earthquake south of the Kermadec Island this morning still could cause strong currents so stay out of the water on the east coast this morning.”
National Emergency Management Agency@NZcivildefenceThere is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the M7.4 SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS earthquake. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand.
