The 5.1 magnitude quake struck 10 kilometres south-west of Te Kaha, at a depth of 28 kilometres, about 5.30am.
A strong quake has struck the eastern Bay of Plenty.
The 5.1 magnitude quake struck 10 kilometres south-west of Te Kaha, at a depth of 28 kilometres, about 5.30am.
By 6am, almost 1000 people reported on GeoNet's website that they had felt it.
The majority of those who felt it said it was a "light" shake, while almost 300 people described it as moderate.
Dozens of people - up to 32 - however, said it was a strong shake, while one called it "extreme".
A second quake near the area - this time about 15km south-west of Te Kaha - struck just before 6am.
It registered as a 3.2 magnitude quake at a depth of 26km.
He was caught trying to trade gift vouchers for sex with a 14yo, police say.