The quake, which struck at 9.21pm, was centred about 30-kilometres west of Methven - and was just five kilometres deep.

Almost five thousand people reported the sharp jolt.

>> More Environment News

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Today's News

International:
Live updates: Israel says first hostages could be released by Hamas as early as Sunday 23:07

Business:
China's population has fallen for a third consecutive year, with the number of deaths outpacing a slight increase in births 21:57

Entertainment:
Christina Haack "threw up in her mouth" when Josh Hall accused her of dishing a "low blow" in their divorce 21:35

Politics:
The supermarket at the centre of claims of former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting again, didn't report the incident directly to the police 21:17

International:
Before and after images show what's left of Gaza after 15 months of war 21:07

Entertainment:
Neil Gaiman has profusely denied the multiple sexual assault allegations he is facing - insisting they "emphatically did not happen" 21:05

Entertainment:
Keke Palmer felt her career was limited as a child star because of her ethnicity 20:35

Entertainment:
Rebecca Black felt "crushed" when other celebrities made fun of her at the start of her career 20:05

Entertainment:
Mel B's daughter Phoenix Brown didn't know who to trust when she was at school 19:35

Entertainment:
Bill Hader has been left "in shock" by the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires 19:05

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