Strong quake shakes New Zealand, but no damage reported and tsunami threat eases

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - A strong 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the east of New Zealand's North Island on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning that was later withdrawn, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) said, although residents were asked to stay alert.

"There is no longer a tsunami threat from this earthquake," PTWC said in a statement.