Earthquake measuring 5.0 shakes area close to Hicks Bay, New Zealand on July 16

Published Jul 16, 2026

GISBORNE DISTRICT, Gisborne Region — A 5.0 magnitude quake jolted near Hicks Bay on Thursday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor struck at 08:57 UTC (20:57 local time), with its epicenter approximately 141 km east-northeast of Hicks Bay and a depth of 10 km.

Did you feel it?

You can let the USGS know if you noticed the earthquake by filling out their Felt Report form.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey