Major earthquake hits off coast of New Zealand, shaking North Island

A severe earthquake centred on the East Cape has shaken the North Island of New Zealand on Friday morning, triggering low level tsunami activity and sending coastal residents fleeing for higher ground. The quake was 7.1 in magnitude and hit 130 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa at a depth of 55 kilometres at 4.37am (2.37am AEST).. #NewZealandearthquake