A Hatuma resident felt a rumble sweeping through his home as a small earthquake hit the East Coast of the lower North Island.
GeoNet said a 4.4 magnitude quake was reported at 8pm east of Waipukurau, at a depth of 50km.
The Fire Service has received no reports of damage.
Hatuma resident John McCormick said he heard a rumble coming from over the hills, and then felt his room begin to shake.
Mr McCormick said nothing in his house was broken.
