More than 2180 people have reported feeling the tremor, with many saying they were jolted awake because of it. Another person near the quake’s epicentre in Pongaroa said they felt it but there was “no damage”. GeoNet reported the quake, which hit at a depth of 30km, caused “moderate” shaking. “People are far more likely to be injured if they get up and move around during an earthquake. “Research consistently shows that ‘drop, cover, and hold’ is the best way to stay safe in earthquakes in New Zealand – and if you’re in bed, that becomes ‘stay, cover, and hold’."

Source: New Zealand Herald December 25, 2025 20:29 UTC