Civil Defence has cancelled a level two tsunami threat warning after a 7.1 earthquake hit off the coast of East Cape.
The earthquake hit at 4.40am about 130km north-east of Te Araroa at 55km deep.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) issued a tsunami warning that covered the east coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty) and the upper South Island. It has now been cancelled.
A 7.1 earthquake has hit northeast of Gisborne, and residents have been urged to evacuate to higher ground. Photo: Geonet
Here's what you need to know.
Evacuations
Gisborne residents can now return to their homes, after earlier being told to leave properties along the coastline. However, if more strong or long quakes are felt, they should again head for higher ground or as far inland as possible.
Officials said that if leaving the coast, people should walk or ride bicycles, rather than jam the roads up with cars.
People should take a radio with them and listen for further updates and instructions from their local Civil Defence authorities.
General warning
The tsunami warning has been cancelled, however, Civil Defence warned people in the east coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty) and the upper South Island to continue to take some precautions as unusual, strong currents and sea level fluctuations will last for several more hours.
People should:
- 1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- 2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
- 3. Do not go sightseeing
- 4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- 5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
- 6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities
Power
The lines company for Gisborne, Wairoa and the East Coast says the quake caused two power outages in the region.
Eastland Network says the outages were near Rototahi and Waimata but power has since been restored to the 300 affected homes.
Schools
Some schools have closed following this morning's earthquake.
All schools in the Bay of Plenty community of Te Kaha have closed as well as eight in Hawke's Bay, the Ministry of Education said.
Schools closed:
Bay of Plenty / Waiariki
- Te Kura o Te Whānau ā Apanui
- TKMM o Whangaparaoa
- TKMM o Maraenui
Hawke's Bay / Tairāwhiti
- Hatea a Rangi
- Tolaga Bay area School
- Te Waha o Rerekohu
- Tokomaru TKKM
- Kaiti School
- Waikirikiri School
- Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Kawakawa Mai Tawhiti
- Horata Horata Wānanga
Te Kaha
All the kura in Te Kaha area have closed.
RNZ has contacted all the kohunga reo in affected areas and all kohunga reo in Te Whānau-ā-Apanui and Whakatōhea are closed.
Mulberry Grove on Great Barrier Islands has closed.
Te One school on the Chatham Islands is closed as a precaution.