
Breaking news: Earthquake rattles central New Zealand
Hi neighbours - keep safe out there! A strong earthquake 6.7 magnitude has struck central New Zealand.
It struck at a depth of 193km about 35km south-west of Taumarunui.
More than 9000 people reported feeling the quake within 10 minutes of it striking at 3.14pm. The quake was felt as far as the South Island.
We will keep you up to date with the latest. For updates and more info, click here.
So far:
- Parliament has been suspended until further notice on the advice of Civil Defence.
- Make sure you check on your neighbours - even though there may have not been any damage near you, your neighbours may still need your help.
- If you need to alert your neighbours urgently, then don't hesitate to send out an Urgent Alert to your community. You can find this function when you go to post a message on Neighbourly.
- Metlink Wellington said rail services would continue to run with some delays following the recent earthquake.
- Fire and Emergency NZ had no reports of injuries nor damage across the South Island.
- GNS Science have advised there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand


A reminder to drive safer
Police are reminding motorists of the importance around following distances following a multi-vehicle crash on the Dunedin Southern Motorway yesterday.
Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen, Otago Coastal Area Road Policing Manager, said Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on the Dunedin Southern Motorway at Fairfield around 8:20am this morning.
“Luckily, there were no serious injuries sustained in the crash, however it did create significant disruption for motorists, with a few people likely to be late for work this morning.
“The road has been cleared and since reopened; however, it is a good reminder of the impact sunstrike can have on our morning commutes this time of year.
“Police are asking motorists to keep their following distances in mind when driving to your destination, a larger gap between you and the car in front of you is often the difference in being able to safely stop, or crashing into the car in front of you, if they stop abruptly," Senior Sergeant Hemmingsen said.
This morning has already seen six crashes causing disruption to motorists across the Southern District, with variable conditions across the Southland, Otago Coastal and Otago Lakes areas.
This is an urgent reminder to pay close attention when driving on the roads, and drive to the conditions, increase following distances, slow down, and put your distractions away.
We want to see everyone getting to their destinations safely.


Do you have a great recipe for pears?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're still on the hunt for pear recipes! Send your family's favourite way to use up this delicious fruit, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by the end of this week . If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the April issue.


Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?
Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.
The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.
Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.

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31.4% Yes
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67% No
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1.6% Other - I'll share below