NZPA reported Sgtfrom the geological agency GNS Science saying it shook buildings and cut power in some areas but there were no reports of injury or serious damage.

The quake hit late on Monday night local time and was centred 10 kilometres southwest of the city of Hastings, NZPA said.

It was followed 10 minutes later by a magnitude-3.5 aftershock.

Radio callers reported homes being jolted, some broken windows and pictures shaken off walls.

Agencies