Many were woken from their sleep following a strong earthquake centred near Porangahau early this morning.
The magnitude 5.2 quake, located 20km west of Porangahau at a depth of 8km, was felt at 3.18am.
Felt reports have come in from around the lower North Island, with more than 5500 people reporting on Geonet’s website.
There have been a number of aftershocks since the initial quake, the biggest measuring 4.1. In a social media post, Geonet said there would likely be more aftershocks.
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council lifted Level 4 water restrictions in Waipukurau last night following a major break on the town’s water supply.
The break, on Porangahau Road, left the reservoir at critically low levels.
Levels had recovered to about 35% - or half the normal level – at 11am.
Fire & Emergency NZ and Council staff were out spreading the conserve water message first thing yesterday morning.
Council Chief Executive Doug Tate described it as a major break on the line used for firefighting purposes.
He thanked the community and businesses for their support in conserving water.
Waipukurau has reverted back to Level 2 water restrictions.
Police will be conducting a training exercise at the Central Rugby & Sports grounds today.
The exercise will involve the use of firearms discharging blank ammunition and the possible use of dog teams.
Police conducted a letter drop to surrounding areas last week to advise them of the exercise and will have signage up in the area today.
Local frontline Police staff will be involved in the training, something which Senior Constable Andy Walker said is done regularly as they are probably the most at risk.
A further training day is planned for early April.
A ticket sold at Caltex Waipukurau won a share of Lotto second division last night. The ticket, one of 21 to win division two, is worth $13,046.
Central Hawke’s Bay Police are asking anyone who saw a naked male on SH2 last week to let them know.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said the man was seen by a person driving south around 8am last Wednesday near Speedy Road.
He said the motorist that reported the incident said the man was completely naked and “did a little dance” on the highway in front of her.
Mr Walker asked anyone else who may have seen the man, and possibly a vehicle he was driving, to contact Police.