New Zealand's North Island hit by magnitude 5.9 offshore earthquake

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island on Sunday at 08:35 GMT, with a shallow depth of about 10 km, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremor was felt along the coastal region but caused no reported injuries, damage, or disruption to power, water, communications or transport services.

Local civil defence and emergency officials issued no tsunami warning, noting that the shallow offshore focus reduced the risk. Authorities continue to monitor the area for possible aftershocks and advise residents to stay alert.

The event underscores New Zealand's ongoing seismic risk as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, prompting routine checks of coastal evacuation plans and infrastructure resilience.