KEY POINTS:
Gisborne residents cleaning up after Thursday's major earthquake may have felt a further reminder with an aftershock this morning.
GNS Science said a 3.9 tremor on the Richter scale was likely felt in the area at 11.49am.
The quake was centred 40km south-east of Gisborne at a depth of 35 km.
A state of emergency in the city was lifted yesterday.
Gisborne District Council said the situation was now being handled by recovery manager John Clarke, with a focus on ensuring business as usual for the central business district and a normal Christmas period for the overall district.
Only a small number of retailers remain closed
Buildings in the city were left partially collapsed, roofs caved in, water tanks and winery vats burst and gaping holes appeared in roadways, after an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the region at 8.55pm on Thursday.
It was centred 50km offshore southeast of Gisborne at a depth of 40km. It was followed Friday morning by aftershocks measuring 4.2 and 4.5.
Yesterday another earthquake measuring 4.8 shook the area about 11.30am.
Council building inspectors and engineers would continue to assess buildings and advise and assist retailers and business owners. Safety barriers around unsafe building areas remain in place.
Fourteen adults and four children are continuing to receive temporary accommodation and the Ministry of Social Development 0800 779 997 help-line number will remain open.
The New Zealand Earthquake Commission will also continue to work with private residents.
Meanwhile, as cleanup work continues in Gisborne, organisers of Rhythm & Vines, New Zealand's biggest New Year's Eve music festival, say it will proceed as planned.
No damage was sustained to the venue, Waiohika Estate vineyards.
"The initial shock has worn off. All roads into the city are fine, and supplies of food, petrol and amenities have not been affected," festival manager Christine Shanahan said yesterday.
- NZPA
