A moderate earthquake measuring 4.5 in magnitude struck near Napier in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, on October 26, 2025, at 12:08 UTC. The tremor originated at a depth of 24.1 km (15 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, as reported by New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission and Geological Survey, commonly known as GeoNet. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also corroborated the magnitude, confirming the seismological event shortly after.
Although the earthquake was not significant enough to cause major damage, many residents in the vicinity reported feeling light vibrations. Notably, towns such as Clive, Haumoana, and Onekawa, located within a range of 1 to 7 km from the epicenter, experienced weak to light shaking. Other nearby communities, including Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, reported similar sensations of minor shaking.
User reports indicated that the earthquake might have been felt as far as 10.5 km from the epicenter. The majority of feedback came from Hastings, Napier, and Onekawa, where local residents described their experiences, ranging from light rattling to more intense vibrations. One resident noted a loud audible boom accompanying the quake, adding to the sense of unease.
Seismic activity in the region has prompted monitoring agencies to keep track of any aftershocks. An aftershock measuring 2.3 in magnitude occurred approximately 1.9 km from the main shock location about an hour and a half later.
In the wake of the earthquake, community members are encouraged to share their experiences to assist with research and enhance future seismic monitoring efforts. The earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s geological dynamics, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.