"Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand," says a NEMA spokesperson.

"This Advisory has been issued to all local Civil Defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media. This will be the final message via the National Warning System for this event unless the event parameters change significantly."

The 7.3M quake occurred at 12.42pm at a depth of 10km in the Kermadec Islands region.

LONG OR STRONG, GET GONE:

People should be self-evacuating immediately from all places near the coast where the earthquake was felt EITHER for longer than a minute OR was strong enough that it was hard to stand. In these areas a tsunami may have been generated and may arrive quickly, so evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible.

This evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 self isolation requirements. Do not stay at home if you are near the coast and felt the earthquake LONG or STRONG. Evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible.

Do not return until an official all-clear message is given by Civil Defence.

Walk, run or cycle if at all possible to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic congestion.

If a tsunami has been generated, the first wave may not be the most significant. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat is real until this warning is cancelled.

People in coastal areas should:
1. Follow the "long OR strong, get gone" guidance above
2. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, and NZCivilDefence Twitter
3. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities
4. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)
5. Stay off beaches and shore areas
6. Do not go sightseeing
7. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

This National Advisory has been issued following a rapid assessment of preliminary earthquake information. The situation may change as more information becomes available.

NEMA will send an update when we have completed a further assessment. Updates will also be published on www.civildefence.govt.nz.

Only messages issued by the National Emergency Management Agency represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

Useful websites:

Message authorised by Watch Leader, National Emergency Management Agency.