Cluster of Quakes off Te Kaha Part of "Normal" Seismic Pattern

Earth Sciences New Zealand duty seismic officer Katie Jacobs said the magnitude 5.6 earthquake, followed by a 4.2, that struck off the coast of Te Kaha on Tuesday evening, is part of a typical sequence of seismic activity in the region.

The first quake occurred around 8.00pm, about 135 kilometres offshore, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres.

“It was the largest in a short burst of activity, with several earthquakes happening in quick succession,” she said.

The second quake, measuring magnitude 4.2, occurred about 110 kilometres offshore at around 8.05pm.

A third quake struck near Te Araroa at 8.28pm, measuring magnitude 2.7.

More than 2,000 people reported feeling the shaking across the upper North Island, with weak to light shaking experienced along the north-east coast.

Jacobs said the cluster of quakes was not unusual for the area and likely formed part of an aftershock sequence, likening the event to a magnitude 5.3 quake in 2020 that was followed by several aftershocks.

“We often see smaller earthquakes follow a larger one. That’s a normal pattern, and we’ve seen similar behaviour in this part of the Bay of Plenty before.”

She said while many of the aftershocks would be smaller — with around 20 recorded near magnitude 4 — they may continue for weeks or even months.

Most, however, are unlikely to be felt.

Despite the recent activity, Jacobs said there was no indication of a larger earthquake on the way.

“There’s nothing in the current pattern that raises concern. But earthquakes can’t be predicted, so it’s always important that people are prepared.”

She also noted the quakes were not directly linked to the Hikurangi subduction zone beneath the region, as they occurred at much shallower depths.

Another earthquake occured days earlier, on Sunday morning, and was also felt across the eastern North Island. IMAGE // GeoNet

Earlier seismic activity recorded on Sunday, 3 May, was likely unrelated, she added, given the distance and differing depths involved.

This quake struck at 9.19am, 25 kilometres west of Te Araroa, which was recorded as magnitude 5.2, with moderate shaking.

New Zealand experiences frequent seismic activity, with more than 250 earthquakes recorded in the past week alone.

Authorities are reminding people to take standard precautions when shaking occurs, including the “Drop, Cover, Hold” protocol, and to be aware of tsunami evacuation routes if near coastal areas.

“Feeling earthquakes can be unsettling,” Jacobs said.

“It’s a good reminder to think about what you would do in a stronger event.”