The 7.1 magnitude earthquake was felt shortly before 2pm and was at a depth of 45 kilometres. A second 6.5 earthquake was recorded 18 minutes later.
After evaluating the risk, NEMA said there was no tsunami threat to New Zealand reports RNZ Pacific.
NEMA spokesperson Anthony Frith said today's quake was significantly smaller than yesterday's 7.7 quake, which saw a tsunami warning issued for in New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu Friday.
Photo USGS