Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management
Media release
2 September 2016, 7.47am

Marine and Beach threat for North Coast of North Island

Please see the attached tsunami threat map.
ECET_threatlevelmap_001.pdf

Following this morning’s earthquake and tsunami activity, the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a marine and beach threat warning for the North Coast of the North Island of New Zealand , including Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and East Coast down to Mahia Peninsula  (the threat no longer includes any areas south of Mahia Peninsula). See the attached map for affected areas. There is no threat to any other area of New Zealand at this time.

Areas affected by the ‘MARINE and BEACH Threat’ can expect unusually strong currents and unpredictable water flows near the shore. This includes beach, harbour, estuary and small boat activities. The severity of currents and changing water flows will vary.

First tsunami activity waves were detected at approximately 4:30am, 2 September 2016. Waves were around 30cm and were detected on the East Cape and Great Barrier Island tide gauges. Further modelling has indicated tsunami activity is likely to continue for a few hours. The greatest wave height has already occurred, further waves are anticipated to be up to 20cm. Flooding of land areas near the shore is not expected at this time.

NOTE: Waves are anticipated to be at the lower margin of all the ranges shown on the tsunami threat map. However, some areas where historical amplification of tsunami waves has been recorded, may experience larger waves.

Tsunami activity will continue for the next few hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

People in the above/ coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

Some communities north of Gisborne self-evacuated, following the earthquake, which was the right thing to do. If you feel further shaking which is too strong to stand up, or over 1 minute in duration, move to higher ground immediately.

Public Information Management
National Crisis Management Centre

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Earlier:

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management
Media release
2 September 2016, 6.33am

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning for East Coast of the North Island (including Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty). The warning has been lifted for the upper South Island.

Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated at East Cape.  A wave height measuring 30cm was measured at East Cape a short time ago.

The first tsunami activity has arrived.  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. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

This warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.  We note the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Information Statement for this event. PTWC messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

Local civil defence authorities will interpret this information for their areas and advise public action via local radio stations.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

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