GNS Science is monitoring seismic activity on the North Island's East Coast after a swarm of earthquakes were felt in northern Hawke's Bay this week.
Since June 17, at least 79 earthquakes have been reported by GNS, occurring 25km northeast of Wairoa.
The largest earthquake of this swarm was a 4.5 magnitude which struck at 1.49am on Wednesday. Around 240 people reported feeling the "moderate" quake, with most reporting it as "light" shaking.
Seismic duty officer Elisabetta D'Anastasio told 1News that earthquake swarms "are not uncommon" in this area.
"They happen in all regions of New Zealand and throughout the world."
Earthquake swarms are a collection of earthquakes that are about the same size and occur in a local area, usually over a short time. They do not usually have a mainshock or larger earthquake that starts off a sequence.
D'Anastasio said GNS will continue to monitor the seismicity in the area and keep an eye on how the swarm is evolving.
"We understand that it can be upsetting to feel multiple earthquakes, our best advice is to always be prepared, and use this time to ensure your whānau, and your home and workplace is earthquake ready."
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