11.50am Update: The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management - MCDEM advise that there is no tsunami threat to NZ following the magnitude 7.0 Kermadec Islands region earthquake at 10.55am.

A spokesperson for MCDEM says that GNS Science has tidal gauges at Raoul Island. These gauges can pick up water level changes.

As there were no water level changes detected at Rauol Island, MCDEM was able to downgrade the tsunami threat to NZ.

"The Kermadecs are so close to NZ, and we need everyone to be prepared in case, but in this instance we have been able to determine that there is now no tsunami threat."

"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."

11.39am National Warning issued: Tsunami Threat

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management - MCDEM has issued a tsunami warning, which threatens beach and marine areas, following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake located in the Kermadec Islands region.

Unusually strong and hazardous currents and unpredictable surges are expected near the shore. This means a threat to beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities.

The severity of currents and surges will vary within a particular coastal area and over the period this warning is in effect.

Current assessments indicate that coastal inundation - the flooding of land areas near the shore - is not expected but this assessment may change.

The first tsunami activity may not be the most significant. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

People in the above coastal areas should:

1. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates and NZCivilDefence Twitter

2. Listen to local Civil Defence authorities

3. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)

4. Stay off beaches and shore areas

5. Do not go sightseeing

6. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

Only messages issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management.

Useful websites:

https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

Twitter @NZCivilDefence

Earlier 11.10am:

A 7.4 M earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region at 10.55am this morning may cause a tsunami that could affect NZ.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and GNS Science are currently assessing whether the magnitude 7.4 Kermadec Islands region earthquake at 10.55am on Sunday morning has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand.

If a tsunami has been generated in this location it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least two hours - around 12.55pm Sunday afternoon.

SunLive are waiting on a further update as soon as the initial assessment has been completed.

Updates will also be published on the Civil Defence website www.civildefence.govt.nz, NZCivilDefence Facebook page and Twitter @NZCivilDefence.

Advice for people in coastal areas - click here

Tsunami evacuation zones - click here