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

Other Environment News

17 Dec: From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected

17 Dec: Firefighters are returning to battle a blaze today at South Taranaki's Waiinu Beach - after rain was welcomed yesterday

16 Dec: Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner, 'responsible' for parents' deaths

16 Dec: Residents of a South Taranaki village have been on standby overnight to evacuate, as a vegetation fire rages nearby

15 Dec: Polar bears are adapting to climate change at a genetic level – and it could help them avoid extinction

15 Dec: A breakthrough win for Alice Robinson in the Super G discipline, eight weeks out from the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina

15 Dec: Environment Canterbury's warning of wallaby control work underway between Tekapo and Twizel

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Today's News

Entertainment:
Sydney Sweeney is a "huge book reader" 9:50

Business:
Consumer confidence has hit a high for the year, as we head into a New Year 9:27

Entertainment:
Simon Cowell feels he's risking his reputation with his new Netflix show 9:20

Law and Order:
A 22-year-old Tasman man has been sentenced to five years prison for creating, sharing and possessing child sexual abuse and bestiality material 8:57

Entertainment:
Jacob Elordi rediscovered his love of acting while making Frankenstein 8:50

National:
Slop, vibe coding and glazing: AI dominates 2025’s words of the year 8:27

Entertainment:
Karlie Kloss is set to release a new children's book 8:20

National:
Trump is close to naming the new Federal Reserve chief. His choice could raise the risk of stagflation 8:17

Environment:
From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected 8:07

Health & Safety:
Man who stabbed 11yo Australian tourist in London to be detained indefinitely 8:07

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