'Severe' magnitude 5.9 quake strikes near Taumarunui

A "severe" magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck the central North Island this morning.

The quake struck at 4.51am on Saturday, and was centred 5km south of Taumarunui at a depth of 9km.

According to GeoNet, more than 22,000 people across the North and South Island reported feeling the shaking.

Did you feel the earthquake? Contact us at news@tvnz.co.nz

Since 5am, at least five aftershocks ranging from magnitude 2.6 to 3.4 have been recorded on GeoNet to have struck within 10km of Taumarunui.

The largest, a magnitude 3.4 tremor, struck at 5.04am. It was followed by magnitude 2.8, 2.7, 2.8 and 2.6 aftershocks between 5.09am and 5.12am.

Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui said there had been no immediate reports of injuries or building damage, with power, water and communication systems all operating as normal in the area.

"Minor slips have been reported in the area, so if you're on the road please drive with care," it said.

"Emergency services and roading crews are assessing the situation, but a fuller view of any impacts is unlikely to be available until the sun comes up."

It said multiple aftershocks had been recorded in the area and were expected to continue throughout the morning.

"If people feel them, they should Drop, Cover and Hold. If you are in bed, the best thing to do is to stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow."

Multiple road closures, motorists urged to 'drive with care'

NZTA Waka Kotahi said heavy rainfall overnight, combined with the earthquake near Taumarunui, had caused several slips on raods in the central North Island.

State Highway 3 (SH3) through Awakino Gorge between Mokau and Piopio was closed due to a slip.

"Geotech crews will be out at the slip sites this morning, assessing the roads. Please avoid the area and delay your travel," it said.

State Highway 43 was also closed between Whangamōmona and Taumarunui, but remained open betwene Stratford and Whangamōmona.

State Highway 4 remained opened despite reports of several slips along the route.

Ruapehu District Council said it had been notified of multiple slips on Otanui South Rd.

"A crew is en route to carry out repairs. Based on the information currently available, the road is expected to be cleared today; however, this is subject to change as conditions are assessed," it advised.

The Glenbrook Vintage Railway said its Saturday service from Auckland to Waikato had been cancelled due the closure of the railway line south of Hamilton by KiwiRail from the earthquake.

"Our thoughts are with all those in the Taumarunui area and surrounding communities who have been impacted by the earthquake," it said.

The company added that the railway line and associated infrastructure would need to be inspected before the line could reopen.

"There is no confirmed time for when these inspections will be completed. This is the standard response to a severe earthquake."

The quake comes just over a week after a magnitude 5.9 quake struck near Te Anau, which shook homes across Otago, Southland and parts of Canterbury and was felt by thousands of people.

'Shook the whole house'

People from across the country reported feeling Saturday morning's quake.

In Auckland, dozens of Facebook users reported feeling the shaking, while one person in Hamilton said: "The bed was shaking. Felt heavier than a truck going past."

In Waikato, one Te Awamutu reesident described it as a "good shake", while another in Te Kūiti, one person said the quake "shook the whole house".

In Tauranga, one user described "large pots falling off the shelf" as their house shook, while a resident in Midhirst, Taranaki described it as a "huge quake".

Further east, a resident in Dannevirke, Hawke's Bay reported a "good jolt", while in Blenheim, one user described the shaking as "strong".