A 4.4 magnitude earthquake has been felt by thousands of people in the lower North Island.
Geonet said the quake happened 15km west of Masterton at a depth of 20km, and caused moderate shaking.
The jolt hit at 8.44pm, according to Geonet. More than 3000 people reported feeling the earthquake, with most describing it as light or weak shaking.
A second, weaker quake was felt at 9.48pm, with a magnitude of 3.3. It hit 10km west of Masterton at a depth of 27km.
