A magnitude 4.9 earthquake has shaken the eastern Bay of Plenty early this morning, GeoNet reports.

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 20 km north-east of Waipukurau this morning at a depth of 34km.

More harrowing testimony is expected as a coroner's inquest into the deaths of eight CTV building victims continues today.

The police officer left in charge of the Christchurch earthquake's biggest disaster zone said he became "frustrated" at being ordered off the site as he tried to rescue survivors.

Police today admitted the February 22 earthquake disaster in Christchurch "overwhelmed" their communication system.

Fire chiefs failed to cope with the February 22 earthquake response, according to a scathing report out today which criticised them for being disorganised.

The Canterbury earthquakes were a chance for many to break out of their mundane existences, a researcher has found.

The post-earthquake exodus from Christchurch has bottomed out, according to latest figures which show just 2800 people leaving the wider city area in the last year.

Cantabrians are setting their sights on Hamilton's housing market as they look to spend their newly received insurance payouts from damaged properties.

Emergency services responded rapidly and worked well together during the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch last year, an independent review has concluded.

Quake-stressed Christchurch school children are being given free scenic flights above their decimated neighbourhoods to help take their minds off everyday worries.

Scientists warn that quake-rattled Christchurch faces a 72 per cent probability of being hit by an earthquake measuring between 5 and 5.4 magnitude in the next year.

A pair of massive earthquakes which struck off the coast in Sumatra in April may have triggered quakes around the globe, according to new research.

A quarter of the country registered for a national earthquake drill today, but despite the popularity of the exercise there are no plans to make it an annual event.