New Zealand capital rattled by 'quake

An earthquake has rattled the New Zealand capital of Wellington but there are no immediate reports of any damage or casualties.

The temblor measured 6.2 on the Richter scale and hit west of the city on the North Island.

Residents have taken to Twitter, reporting a long, rolling tremor lasting 30 seconds.

In February last year, a 6.3 magnitude quake hit Christchurch, flattening office blocks and toppling buildings and leaving 185 people dead.