Magnitude 4.4 earthquake hits north of Hawke’s Bay

An earthquake struck north of Hawke’s Bay this morning.

The 4.4 magnitude quake struck 25 km north of Wairoa at 8.24 a.m.

GeoNet says it was about 35 kilometers deep and may have been felt in various places in the region.

The places included in Gisborne, Hastings, Mātāwai, Murupara, Napier, ōpōtiki, Rotorua, Ruatōria, Taupō, Te Kaha, Tokomaru Bay, Tolaga Bay, Wairoa, Whakatāne and surrounding areas.

On the GeoNet website, more than 500 people said they felt it hit.

Of those who reported feeling it, the majority said it was “weak” or “light”.

A total of 32 people had reported that it was a “moderate” shake at 9am, while one person said it was “extreme.”