8.25am update - Waikato CDEM group activates after earthquake

The Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group emergency coordinating centre in Hamilton says a marine tsunami threat has been confirmed after the 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.

In the meantime, people are urged to stay away from coastal areas in the region and to stay tuned to media for the latest information.