A tsunami warning has been issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management for coastal areas around Hawke’s Bay following a 7.8 earthquake which struck near the Kermadec Islands.

Hastings Civil Defence headquarters has been activated and our community response plan is in action...

Civil Defence is warning people to stay off the beaches, stay out of the water and don’t go sightseeing in the coastal areas.

You are asked to keep listening to local radio stations for further information.

Issued at 0845