Aftershocks have continued to shake the North Island after it was hit by one of its biggest earthquakes in decades.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is asking motorists in the Eastern Bay of Plenty to be aware of the risk of rock-falls and slips after the earthquake and aftershocks this morning.

This morning's M7.1 quake is the biggest to hit the north of the North Island in more than 20 years, when a M7.2 quake struck in a similar spot in 1995.

Locals wanting to help care for land, air, water, or wildlife are can apply to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environmental Enhancement

A newborn baby has been flown to hospital with serious head injuries.

Lisa Carrington has today been sharply reminded how difficult a challenge she'll face tomorrow if she's to complete a golden Rio Olympic kayak double.

WATCH: Kiwi kayak queen Lisa Carrington 'stoked' as she powers her way to back-to-back Olympic gold medals.

An elderly man has been picked up by rescue helicopter after he severely injured himself when his quad bike rolled.

A shipping container has been airlifted to White Island to provide visitors an emergency shelter in case of an eruption. The New

Icy conditions have been blamed for at least three crashes between Rotorua and Whakatane this morning.

The Bay of Plenty parents accused of causing the death of their 8-month-old baby boy will defend the allegation at a jury trial.

The Bay man accused of attempting to kill two police officers and also allegedly shot at four others is heading to trial.

One person has been killed in a crash near Whakatane this morning.

A toddler has been reunited with its caregiver after it was inside a car stolen in the Bay of Plenty.

The eruption on the volcanic island appears to have deposited material over north side of the crater floor.

An inquest into the forestry death of 19-year-old Eramiha Pairama has begun at Te Uru Taumatua in Taneatua.

A former Whakatane man has died in a motorcycle crash while in the middle of a High Court trial where he faced 49 sex offence charges relating to young girls.

In just two weeks Makeda Soper-Wirangi went from working at her local mall to walking in fashion's biggest shows.

A man has died after a workplace accident near Opotiki.

Elisabeth Easther's doing her bit to save the kiwis.

Investigations are set to continue into the blaze on board a tourist vessel just off Whakatane.

The quick actions of the skipper on the tour vessel that caught fire off Whakatane this week ultimately helped to ensure those on board could be rescued quickly.

Terrified passengers on a White Island tour boat leaped from blazing vessel into rough waters.

Elisabeth Easther takes a trip back to a time when flight was an adventure.

A man has been arrested after crashing into a police car near Whakatane this morning.

An officer activated their patrol car's flashing lights and siren, but the motorcyclist did not stop and sped away.

Whakatane police pull over driver who was more than eight times the legal limit.

A fire at Whakatane Intermediate School last night caused serious damage to one classroom.