Magnitude 5.1 earthquake strikes north of Te Araroa
Monday 21 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated In this story GeoNet
A deep magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck approximately 155km north of Te Araroa at 4.28pm on Monday. GeoNet reported the tremor occurred at a depth of 195km. Hundreds of people reported feeling the shaking, which was classified as weak.
Key facts
4 facts
- Earthquake occurred at 4.28pm on Monday
- The earthquake was located north of Te Araroa
- The tremor was classified as weak
- Hundreds of people reported feeling the shaking
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A deep earthquake struck near the East Coast on Monday afternoon. The tremor occurred at 4.28pm and was classified as weak.
GeoNet recorded the earthquake at a depth of either 188km or 195km. The event took place approximately 145km to 155km north of Te Araroa.
More than 860 people or around 990 people submitted reports to GeoNet stating they felt the shaking. Residents in Gisborne and Tolaga Bay reported feeling the jolt.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the magnitude, citing either 5.1 or 5.2.
- The distance from Te Araroa was reported as 145km or 155km.
- The depth of the earthquake was reported as 188km or 195km.
- The number of people reporting the shake varied between more than 860 and around 990.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald and 1News.