KEY POINTS:
The Gisborne to Napier rail line is closed after last night's quake in the Gisborne area.
The 8.55pm quake measured 6.8 on the Richter scale and caused chaos in central Gisborne.
Ruth Larsen, of rail infrastructure operators Ontrack, said it had closed the Napier-Gisborne rail line to inspect for any damage.
It was expected to reopen by midday if none was found.
"Ontrack takes earthquakes very seriously and needs to ensure there are no slips or damage caused to tracks, bridges and tunnels before we allow trains to run on the line," Ms Larsen said.
No trains had been affected.
The Napier-Masterton line was also closed after the quake but re-opened last night.
- NZPA
