We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake SOUTHEAST OF LOYALTY ISLANDS at 2023-05-19 3:57 PM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

AREAS UNDER THREAT:

The West Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to WHANGANUI including the West Coast of Auckland, Manukau Harbour and New Plymouth.

The East Coast of the North Island from CAPE REINGA to TOLAGA BAY including Whangarei, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, the East Coast of Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitemata Harbour, Tauranga, Whakatane and Opotiki.

The West Coast of the South Island from FAREWELL SPIT to MILFORD SOUND including Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:

STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, liveboards and at marinas between Farewell Spit and Milford Sound should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore.

There is no need to evacuate other areas. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event.

We are advising people to:

• Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

• Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.

• Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.

• Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.

• For those within Tasman Bay be aware that there may be unusual current behaviour as a result of this tsunami.