The intensities experienced near the epicentre of the Edgecumbe earthquake, 1987 March 2, were higher than expected for an earthquake of magnitude 6.3. If this earthquake can be regarded as typical for that part of New Zealand, previous estimates of earthquake hazard must be increased. This has been done by modifying the intensity formula used in an earlier study, and recomputing the hazard figures. Mean return periods of seismic shaking in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Northland are reduced in consequence.