New Zealand's North Island quake wakes communities, prompts reminder to be ready

Thousands of people, including Pacific families across the North Island, were jolted awake before dawn on Saturday after a shallow 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Taumarunui.

The quake hit at 4.51am, about 5km south of Taumarunui, at a depth of 9km, according to GeoNet.

The shallow depth meant the shaking was widely felt across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatū and Wellington, while people closest to the epicentre experienced severe shaking.

Within hours, tens of thousands of people had reported feeling the earthquake through GeoNet's online reporting system, highlighting how widely the shaking was felt across the North Island.

GeoNet said: "When: Sat Jul 25 2026 4:51am. Where: 5km south of Taumarunui. Shaking: Severe. Magnitude: 5.9. Depth: 9km."

GeoNet says severe shaking can make it difficult to stand, cause unsecured items to fall from shelves and, in some cases, damage older or weaker buildings.

There were no immediate reports of widespread damage or injuries, and authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat because the earthquake occurred inland.

Local authorities also carried out checks on roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the King Country and Ruapehu area.

No major structural damage or widespread power outages had been reported by Saturday morning.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake and reminded people that if they feel strong shaking or aftershocks, they should "Drop, Cover and Hold."

Several smaller aftershocks were recorded in the hours after the main quake.

For many Pacific families living across the North Island, the earthquake was another reminder that New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most active earthquake zones.

The earthquake is also a reminder for Pacific families across Aotearoa to review their emergency plans and supplies, especially if they have elderly relatives, young children or family members who may need extra support during a major emergency.

Families are also encouraged to check their emergency supplies, make sure everyone in the household knows what to do during an earthquake, and check on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone who may need support after a significant shake.

GeoNet continues to monitor seismic activity and is asking anyone who felt the earthquake to submit a felt report through its website or app to help scientists map the intensity of the shaking.