New Zealand rattled by 6.9 magnitude earthquake

New Zealand's capital Wellington has been rattled by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that ruptured water mains, smashed windows and downed power lines.

Wellington Police Inspector Marty Parker said there had been minor structural damage that left parts of the city without power. There have been no reports of injury and no tsunami.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck under the Cook Strait 35 miles south-west of Wellington, six miles underground.

The quake could be felt hundreds of miles away in the centre of New Zealand's North Island.

New Zealand is part of the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire" that receives regular seismic activity. A severe earthquake in the city of Christchurch in 2011 killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city centre.

AP