Christchurch's central Red Zone has been shut down after a 5.2 magnitude quake struck the city this afternoon.
The quake struck at 2.44pm and was 11km deep, according to GeoNet. It was centred 10km east of Christchurch.
There have been no immediate reports of significant damage or injury, but deconstruction workers in the city's Red Zone have been pulled out for the day to allow engineers to assess any further damage.
Checks will continue over the weekend as it is suspected some already weakened buildings may have suffered further damage.
Newstalk ZB is reporting bricks and tiles came down from the ChristChurch Cathedral in the quake.
ONE News reporter Joy Reid, who is covering the George Gwaze trial, said it shook the courtroom.
"We are still shaking!" she tweeted.
Send your photos or video to ONE News at news@tvnz.co.nz
The quake was reported to have lasted between 12 and 15 seconds.
More than 200 people have reported feeling the quake on the GeoNet website, some from as far away as Wellington and Greymouth.
Christchurch resident Bex Osborne said on ONE News' Facebook page it made her 17 month old baby scream.
Others reported roofs shaking and items breaking.
Today's quake was the 30th largest since September 4, 2010.
It has since been followed by 3.5 and 3.4 magnitude aftershocks.
Orion said its systems show the power network has not been
affected by the quake, but anyone without power should call them on
363 9898.
Christchurch Airport remains open and flights are unaffected.
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