The National Emergency Management Agency's Roger Ball said there is not a risk of a tsunami here but people should stay out of the water because of possible surges and unusual currents.
Emergency officials are warning a 7.7 magnitude earthquake near New Caledonia this morning may trigger unpredictable currents and surges between Ahipara Bay in Northland and Tolaga Bay on the East Coast.
People should stay out of the water, off beaches and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries.
