Update, 5.53pm: Following further assessment of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake near Vanuatau at 2.47pm today, Nema has confirmed that no significant strong currents or surges are expected for New Zealand.

This follows the decision earlier that there is no tsunami land threat to New Zealand.

"However, the public are advised to remain vigilant in beach and marine areas as some unusual currents may occur over the next few hours," a Nema spokesperson said.

Update, 3.54pm: There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the Vanuatu earthquake.

The National Emergency Management Agency has assessed the information with the assistance of scientific advisors.

"Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand," said a Nema spokesperson. 

"There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the magnitude 7.3 Vanuata earthquake at 2024-12-17 2:47 PM."

The National Emergency Management Agency has issued a National Advisory: No Tsunami Threat to New Zealand message to all relevant local civil defence authorities, emergency services and other agencies.

Earlier, 3.17pm: A 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Vanuatu with tsunami waves possible within 300km of the epicentre.

The quake was centred 30km northwest of Port Vila, Vanuatu, at 2.45pm NZT.

The NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Honolulu has issued a notice stating “hazardous waves are possible for coasts located within 300km of the earthquake epicentre”.

A National Advisory has been issued by NZ’s civil defence agency Nema.

“The National Emergency Management Agency and GNS Science are assessing whether the M7.3 Vanuatu earthquake at 2.45pm has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand,” a Nema spokesperson said.

“If a tsunami has been generated in this location it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least two hours.

“This National Advisory has been issued following a rapid assessment of preliminary earthquake information.

“The situation may change as more information becomes available. We will provide an update when we have completed a further assessment.”

GeoNet says the quake 10km deep and “unnoticeable” in New Zealand.

Only about 50 people in NZ have reported feeling the shake.

We are still assessing whether there is a tsunami threat to New Zealand from the M7.3 Kermadec Islands earthquake. Go to https://t.co/ccVFYR8001 for more information.

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) December 17, 2024

No #tsunami threat to Australia from magnitude 7.5 #earthquake near VANUATU ISLANDS. Latest advice at https://t.co/Tynv3ZQpEq. pic.twitter.com/oJjzgizulb

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 17, 2024

7.4 Earthquake damage in Vanuatu.
December 17, 2024 #earthquake #sismo #terremoto pic.twitter.com/8n6z0QEaQe

— Disasters Daily (@DisastersAndI) December 17, 2024