The quake damage could be clearly seen on Leader Rd in Kaikoura. Photo: Twitter / @Nicola_RaynerNZ
The quake threw groceries off shelves and broke wine bottles at the Culverden 4 Square store. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Key facts:
- A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Hamner Springs at 12.02am
- There are reports of two fatalities, according to Prime Minister John Key
- Scores of severe aftershocks have hit
- A tsunami warning is in place, but has been downgraded. People in low-lying areas on the east coast of both the North and South Island have been warned to move to higher ground.
- Wellington residents in low-lying coastal areas were also urged to move to higher ground.
