Gisborne quakes 'a typical swarm'

A cluster of earthquakes felt widely in Gisborne has been labelled a "typical swarm" by geological monitor Geonet.

Duty Seismologist Caroline Holden said the seven earthquakes between 6:49am and 11:33pm yesterday were part of a series of quakes that could last until Thursday.

But they are not a sign of more severe quakes to come, she said.

"It is a typical swarm. There was another cluster of about six in April 2010.

"They seem to have quieted down, but it's still too early to say whether its over. They could still happen for the next couple of days."

The earthquakes, which reached a maximum magnitude of 4.2, could be felt throughout Gisborne.

They were likely caused by fluid being released along the fault line between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, Ms Holden said.

All seven were recorded 30km south of Gisborne at a depth of 25-30kms.