4.5 magnitude earthquake rattles central NZ

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake has struck near Seddon at a depth of 16km.

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake has rattled central New Zealand this afternoon.

The quake struck at 4.33pm, 10km south of Seddon, at a depth of 16km.

It was described as moderate and was “felt” by nearly 900 people from Westport and Kaikōura in the South Island to Auckland in the north.

Nine days ago, on January 29, a strong 5.3 tremor shook the lower North Island.

It struck 10km east of Eketāhuna at 11.26pm and was 35km deep.

GeoNet reported “strong” shaking. Some 23,000 people felt the quake across the lower North Island, including in Masterton and Palmerston North.

Residents close to the epicentre in Palmerston North said the quake felt like a “truck crashing” through their home and reported being startled awake by the shaking.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10km east of Eketahuna at 11.26pm on January 29. Photo / GeoNet

Residents of the lower North Island wrote to Marcus Lush on Newstalk ZB to share their experience with the quake.

“Flippin heck, just had an earthquake here in Masterton ... felt very strong here,” one said.

“Huge shake in Palmerston North,” another wrote.