Two people have died and several people suffered non-fatal heart attacks following the main 7.5 magnitude earthquake in North Canterbury.

Prime Minister John Key has held his first media briefing after a number or large earthquakes hit the country.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

A family who fled their New Brighton home with their disabled child have returned to find the property looted.

The earthquake in the early hours of this morning brought back memories of the September 2010 and February 2011 quakes for Donna Mills.

Christchurch residents have escaped the worst of the quake.

A Waiau local says roads around the epicentre of this morning's quake are blocked by massive landslides and deep cracks that stretch for miles.

Interislander ferry sailings have been cancelled, along with all trains on the North Island Main Trunk Line south of Palmerston North.

Here is everything you need to know in wake of the 7.5 quake.

There are casualties following this morning's quakes, acting Civil Defence minister Gerry Brownlee says.

More than one fault may be responsible for this morning's earthquakes.

Buildings in the Capital's CBD are damaged and workers have been told to avoid the area. Rail services have also been cancelled.

An upgraded 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck 20km south-east of Hanmer Springs, Geonet says.

Reports of damage are emerging and tsunami waves are starting to hit the east coast of New Zealand following a series of strong earthquakes around the country.

Taranaki residents described a terrifying noise preceding a tremor followed by 30 seconds of shaking.

Ultra-sensitive fibre-optic sensors extending nearly a kilometre below the Southern Alps will transform what we know about one of the biggest earthquake threats facing New Zealand.

Many residents felt the 4.4 magnitude shake early today.

East Cape was shaken by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake last night. GeoNet reported a preliminary magnitude after the shake just before

A strong earthquake has hit off the East Coast last night.

A New Zealand-based researcher is investigating "moonquakes" - a curious lunar phenomenon first discovered by Nasa's Apollo missions.

GeoNet said the 5km-deep quake struck 90km northeast of Te Araroa at 7.20am.

Borneo has been struck by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake according to reports.

The Horowhenua mayor elect has decided he will not be sworn-in under the roof of the current Horowhenua District Council building.

Sunday brunch has been a shaky affair for those in the East Cape who've been rocked by a "severe" 5.8 magnitude quake this morning.

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake has rattled the south Island 40km north west of Te Anau shortly before 7pm.

More than 4080 people have reported feeling the 4.4 magnitude quake which has hit northwest of Wellington.

The East Coast Lab has been launched to research New Zealand’s least understood subduction zone, the Hikurangi Trough. Made with funding from NZ on Air

The East Coast Lab has been launched to research New Zealand's least understood subduction zone, the Hikurangi Trough.

Japanese researchers believe they may be closer to predicting an earthquake, but it hasn't come without criticism.

There's no way to tell if a flurry of recent earthquakes which have rattled the country are signs of a big one to come, a seismologist says.