Christchurch has been rocked by a 'severe' earthquake.
Initial reports say it was a magnitude 5.7 earthquake.
Geonet has reported the quake as being centred north of Waipara, in the Greta Valley.
The quake which struck at 6.13pm had 3300 felt reports logged with Geonet within five minutes.
Culverden Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Craig Ritchie said he was not aware of any damage in Culverden and nothing fell off the walls in the fire station.
"It was a decent roll. But it wasn't a jolt, it was a roll."

Christchurch shaken by 'severe' earthquake | Stuff.co.nz