Waikato tsunami alert over

Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management says the tsunami warning on the region's east and west coasts has now (11.05am) been cancelled following advice from national agencies.

Waikato CDEM group controller Scott Fowlds said local civil defence officials would coordinate the return of people to areas that were evacuated. Earlier, officials had urged people in low-lying coastal areas on the east and west coasts to go to higher ground.

Mr Fowlds urged people to remain vigilant and to monitor news services in case the situation changed at short notice.

"This tsunami alert has shown how quickly emergencies like this can develop and people need to be aware of the potential for threats at all times."