String of quakes shake east coast

A string of earthquakes have struck off the North Island's east coast between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay since yesterday morning.

Ranging from 3.9 to 4.5 in strength, five quakes struck in the same area between 10.29am yesterday and 2.48am today, GNS Science reported.

The quakes were all at a focal depth of 33km and likely to have been felt further south in Hawkes Bay.

- NZPA