WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked the southern New Zealand city of Christchurch on Tuesday, and there were reports of damage to some buildings.

Radio New Zealand reported that a church near the city centre collapsed. The station also said staffers in its Christchurch newsroom had to cling to their desks during the shaking, with large filing cabinets toppling over.

"What I can see from where I am in the central city is that there are significant amounts of additional damage," Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor was centred 3 miles (5 kilometres) from the city at a depth of 2.5 miles (4 kilometres).

Christchurch has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Sept. 4 last year, causing extensive damage and a handful of injuries, but no deaths.