7 magnitude earth quake hits New Zealand's North Island

A large 7 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of the lower North Island in New Zealand at 10.36pm. The quake's epicentre was located at sea at a depth of 230km, 60km south of Opunake in Taranaki and 170km northwest of the capital Wellington. The quake was was followed by a smaller aftershock.

There have been no reports of major damage or injuries as the impact had been limited due to depth and distance offshore. The quake was felt in Napier, Dunedin and Wellington, among other places. No tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre following the quake. New Zealand lies on the Ring of Fire, in which volcanic eruptions in the basin of the Pacific Ocean happen frequently.