A series of earthquakes rattled the Bay of Plenty on May 5, 2026, with a strong magnitude 5.6 quake occurring at about 8 PM, approximately 135 kilometers north of Te Kaha.
Nearly 1958 people reported feeling the initial tremor across regions including Auckland, Waikato, and Coromandel. GeoNet recorded over 2000 felt reports for this earthquake, which struck at a depth of just 5 kilometers.
A second quake followed shortly after at 8:05 PM, registering a magnitude of 4.2. This quake was felt by about 1,083 people and occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers. The third tremor came at 8:28 PM, registering a lower magnitude of 2.7, which was felt by around 86 individuals.
The shaking from the first earthquake was mostly rated as ‘weak’ or ‘light’ by those who experienced it. Residents in Te Kaha may have felt some weak shaking but no significant damage has been reported.
This series of earthquakes serves as a reminder for residents in New Zealand’s North Island about the country’s seismic activity. GeoNet continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on any further seismic events.
While most reports indicate minimal impact from these quakes, local authorities remain vigilant. They encourage residents to stay prepared for potential aftershocks as they assess any long-term effects.
