A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck at 8:55 pm on Thursday 20 December. Located offshore, it caused damage to chimneys and buildings at several places along the East Coast, particularly in the Gisborne CBD.
| When | Thu Dec 20 2007 8:55 PM |
| Where | 50 km south-east of Gisborne |
| Shaking | Severe |
| Magnitude | 6.7 |
| Depth | 33 km |
| Quality | best |
| Extreme | 8 | |
| Severe | 44 | |
| Strong | 96 | |
| Moderate | 169 | |
| Light | 2543 | |
| Weak | 297 | |
| Total | 3157 |
| Extreme | 8 | |
| Severe | 44 | |
| Strong | 96 | |
| Moderate | 169 | |
| Light | 2543 | |
| Weak | 297 | |
| Total | 3157 |