GypsyRose

Tsunami warnings have been issued for the whole of New Zealand with areas of concern including Northland, the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast north of Gisborne.

Residents in low-lying areas of the Coromandel coast are being urged to move to higher ground immediately and fire service staff are driving around urging these residents to move.

East Cape reports say waves came ashore before 10am but no damage has been reported. 

Harbourmasters are being told by Environment Waikato not to move on the water.

Waikato Civil Defence says people living or working on the coasts should be on high alert especially residents in Raglan, Kawhia and Mokau and all coastal settlements near these areas.

Hawke's Bay Civil Defence is telling residents to keep away from beaches and residents of Te Kaha, East Cape have been instructed to go to high ground.

A one metre wave was predicted by seismologists to arrive at East Cape around 9.44am.

It would then hit Gisborne at 10.00am, Napier at 10.40am, Wellington at 10.50am and Auckland at 11.12am.

That is low tide, but there is still considered to be a risk to beach areas.

Napier, Northland and Southland have also issued alerts.

Auckland regional authorities are advising people on Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island and on regional coastlines to seek higher ground.