GNS Science experts are monitoring a swarm of earthquakes which have been repeatedly shaking those near Wairoa, in northern Hawke's Bay, this week.
Since June 17, GeoNet has reported 63 earthquakes, 25 km north-east of Wairoa.
The largest quake was a magnitude 4.4 on June 19, which was felt by 240 people. Most people reported feeling 'light' shaking.
However, GeoNet seismic duty officer Elisabetta D'Anastasio told Newshub that the closer someone is to the earthquakes, the stronger they will feel it.
"Earthquake swarms are not uncommon in this area. They happen in all regions of New Zealand and throughout the world," she said.
"Earthquake swarms are a collection of quakes about the same size, happening in a local area, usually over a short time. Swarms usually don't have a mainshock or larger quake that starts off a sequence."
However, D'Anastasio said GNS teams would continue to monitor the seismicity in this area and keep an eye on how the current swarm will evolve.
"We understand that it can be upsetting to feel multiple earthquakes, our best advice is to always be prepared, and use this time to ensure your whanāu, and your home and workplace is earthquake ready."
The swarm comes after earlier this year, GeoNet published a deep dive into the Hikurangi subduction zone, which occurs along the east coast of the North Island and under the tip of the South Island, where the Pacific plate dives beneath the Australian plate.
The agency also shared how it monitors the Hikurangi subduction zone, which is the largest source of earthquake and tsunami hazard in New Zealand.
Find out more on how to stay prepared here.
"The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has a great website with information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time," D'Anastasio said.
"In the event of a large earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold. And if you are near the coast, or a lake, and feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up OR a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, out of tsunami evacuation zones."
