Magnitude 4.1 earthquake north of Porirua felt across central New Zealand

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Porirua has been felt by more than 16,000 people across the middle of the country.

GeoNet recorded the shaking as originating from a point 10 kilometres northwest of Porirua at a depth of 22 kilometres at 10.05pm.

More than 16,000 people had reported feeling the earthquake only 10 minutes later as of 10.15pm, most rating it weak to light in strength.

GeoNet described the shaking as “moderate”.

The shaking was felt across the bottom of the North Island and top of the South Island.