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A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the Tararua district around midday today.
The quake was centred 10 km east of Eketahuna, and 24km deep, GeoNet reported.
It attracted 565 'felt' reports on GeoNet's website from residents around Wellington, Palmerston North, Wanganui and Wairarapa.
Eketahuna 4 Square employee Kerrie Brewer said the quake prompted her to run outside.
"Nothing shook, it was just a large bang really."
Ms Brewer said they experienced numerous earthquakes in the region and today's shake was one of the stronger she had experienced this year.
"It was quite strong, we left the building."
Nothing in the store was damaged in the quake, she said.
On January 20, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Eketahuna, damaging walls, chimneys and forcing road closures.
'It’s been a tough year and now we feel like we can breathe.'