UPDATE 8.40am: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has now cancelled its original tsunami warning for New Zealand, The Kermedec Islands and Tonga.

The US government agency's update came just as Auckland Civil Defience issued a statement saying the tsunami's expected arrival time in Auckland is 10am, adding: "A tsunami potentially of one metre or more including strong currents and disturbed seas and estuaries."

UPDATE 8.25am: The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group emergency coordinating centre in Hamilton said a marine tsunami threat has been confirmed after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake this morning in the Tonga-Kermadec trench to the north-east of New Zealand.

A marine threat means there could be stronger currents than normal and unusual water patterns around the coast. On the Coromandel, these factors may be exacerbated by an incoming tide.

At this stage no significant threat to land from a tsunami is expected but Waikato CDEM Group is seeking clarification on this and will update its advice as necessary.



7.30am: The US government's Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has issued a warning for New Zealand, Tonga and the Kermadec Islands this morning.

It follows a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Tonga-Kermadec trench to the north-east of New Zealand.

The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group emergency coordinating centre in Hamilton was activated in the wake of the warning.

The agency is currently awaiting further advice on the exact nature of the tsunami threat from the Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management.

“In the meantime, people are urged to stay away from beaches in the region in case this quake generates a tsunami that could significantly threaten our coastline, particularly on the Coromandel,” said Group controller Scott Fowlds.

Northland Civil Defence has also activated, warning people to take the following precautions:

Stay off beaches

Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries) - this includes boating activities

Not go sightseeing

Share information in this media release with family, neighbours and friends

Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

Follow any instructions from their local Civil Defence authorities

The threat is still being accessed. Information is also being posted to the Northland Regional Council website and the Civil Defence website.

MORE TO COME