Update - Tsunami expected in Northland

Northlanders in low-lying east coast areas are being warned to adopt a precautionary approach and stay off beaches as a tsunami with a possible estimated height of up to one metre reportedly heads towards New Zealand.

The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off Samoa earlier today has prompted the tsunami warning.

Group spokesman Graeme MacDonald says at this stage a tsunami warning has been issued for the entire country with areas of concern including Northland, the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast north of Gisborne.

The tsunami – expected to be up to one metre high in Northland - is expected to reach Northland’s east coast some time between 9.45am and lunchtime today.

Mr MacDonald says at this stage officials believe the tsunami is only likely to affect those in low-lying coastal areas who are normally impacted by large waves or high tides.

“Our advice is for these people to take the usual steps they would take during a storm or large high tide.”

However, Mr MacDonald says as a precaution, all members of the public, including recreational boat users, should stay away from coastal areas for safety reasons.

He says fortunately for Northland it appears the tsunami will coincide with low tide, which would lessen any potential impacts.

Civil Defence, local authority, police and fire officials will be monitoring the situation closely and the Northland CDEM Group will release new information as it comes to hand.

Northlanders are being urged to listen to local stations for updates:

More FM (91.6 FM Whangarei / 92.0 FM Kerikeri / 99.7 FM Russell)
Classic Hits (96.0 FM Northland / 96.8 FM BOI / 97.2 FM Mid-North / 97.6 FM Far North)
Newstalk ZB (1026 AM & 1215 AM)
Radio Live (90.6 FM Whangarei / 95.6 FM Mid-North)

Information is also available from the Northland Regional Council website www.nrc.govt.nz