'We know this is a real thing' — Officials record wave surges in NZ following powerful Pacific quake

February 11, 2021

Civil Defence's Roger Ball says wave surges have already been reported after a 7.7 magnitude quake near New Caledonia.

People in parts of Northland and the North Island's east coast are being urged to stay away from beaches and coastlines after a tsunami warning was this morning issued for New Zealand.

In an update on Breakfast this morning, Civil Defence's Roger Ball said wave surges had already been reported on Great Barrier Island after a 7.7 magnitude quake near New Caledonia overnight.

However, he said, while the national emergency management agency had issued the advisory out of caution, New Zealand was at the lower end of a tsunami risk.

Civil Defence has since cancelled the advisory, saying "the tsunami threat has passed for New Zealand. There could still be large unexpected currents and the public are advised to continue to take precautions in coastal zones for the rest of today".

There has been no evacuations, but people in Ahipara to Bay of Islands, Great Barrier Island and from Matatā to Tolaga Bay were earlier advised to stay off beaches and shore areas.

"There is the possibility of strong and unusual currents and tidal surges in those areas," Ball said.

The 7.7 tremblor struck the Loyalty Islands at 2.20am.

"We have had, just in from GNS, some reports of wave surges on Great Barrier Island up to 30 centimetres, so we know that this is a real thing.

"We are asking people in those areas only to please stay out of the water and off the beaches until the all clear is given.

"No swimming, no fishing and it's not a day to take the dog for a walk along the beach in those areas."

Ball said it was unknown how long the threat would last.

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