6.5 earthquake hits central New Zealand

Another severe earthquake has shaken the country, this time at magnitude 6.5.

The quake hit at 5.09pm and centered 20km east of seddon, at a depth of 17km. It follows a 5.8 quake that shook central New Zealanders awake just after seven this morning, and a 5.7 that hit on Friday morning.

The latest quake is reported to have been felt from Christchurch right through to Hamilton.

While there are reports of minor damage in the middle of the country, there are no initial reports of injury.