Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges are expected near the shore, as far south as Stewart Island, following three significant earthquakes near the Kermadec Island this morning.

The National Emergency Management Agency has issued a Beach and Marine Tsunami Warning, which means there could be a threat of strong currents and unpredicable surges and people should stay off beaches and shore areas. This also means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities.

Emergency Management Southland says people should stay out of the sea, estuaries and rivers, including boats. There is no requirement to evacuate but, equally, people should not go sightseeing.

The warning applies to:

• The West Coast of the North Island from AHIPARA to MAKARA including the West Coast of Auckland, Manukau Harbour, New Plymouth, Whanganui and the Kapiti Coast.
• The East Coast of the North Island from WHANGAREI to MATATA including Whangarei, the East Coast of Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitemata Harbour and Tauranga, from TOLAGA BAY to LAKE FERRY including Gisborne and Napier.
• The West and South Coasts of the South Island from FAREWELL SPIT to PUYSEGUR POINT including Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika.
• The top of the South Island from FAREWELL SPIT to PORT UNDERWOOD including Nelson, Picton and the Marlborough Sounds.
• The East and South Coasts of the South Island from the WAIPARA RIVER to the RAKAIA RIVER including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, from the TAIERI RIVER to PUYSEGUR POINT including Invercargill.
• STEWART ISLAND And the CHATHAM ISLANDS.

Further north, a warning has been issued of potential flooding of land in the following areas:

• The West Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to AHIPARA.
• The East Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to WHANGAREI, from MATATA to TOLAGA BAY including Whakatane and Opotiki.
• GREAT BARRIER ISLAND.

There is no tsunami threat in all other areas.