The latest tsunami scare has been and gone with this morning's warnings amounting to nothing.
The scare was triggered by a 7.6 magnitude quake near the Kermadec Islands.
While it was barely discernible by the time it reached New Zealand, the waves generated from the quake had enough power to stir up the normally calm waters in the Tutukaka Marina.
Part of the marina is being rebuilt after currents from Japan's massive tsunami ripped boats from their moorings last March. This time the impact wasn't as severe.
Warnings waves may hit land this morning were quickly downgraded to a marine threat, which means the only risk was strong tidal surges and currents.
There's been criticism that the messages relayed were confusing, but Civil Defence says it's satisfied with its response.
“Now when we say warning we need to be more specific. We warn about a marine threat in this instance, and what that means is that people should stay out of the water and to refrain from boating activities,” says Civil Defence national controller David Coetzee.
In Whakatane, a flood gate was set up to protect low-lying areas at the waterfront. Although water levels rose there as they did in Auckland, no wave or water hit land, but boaties and swimmers should remain vigilant.
With the Chilean and Japanese earthquakes we noticed current changes for the following 3 to 4 days,” says northern region duty Coastguard officer Mark Leevers.
Because of the quakes position, the largest tsunami waves - around two metres high - passed well north of New Zealand.
Even so, Civil Defence says that until tomorrow morning people should exercise caution before entering the water or going out in small boats in all parts of New Zealand.
The scare was triggered by a 7.6 magnitude quake near the Kermadec Islands.
While it was barely discernible by the time it reached New Zealand, the waves generated from the quake had enough power to stir up the normally calm waters in the Tutukaka Marina.
Part of the marina is being rebuilt after currents from Japan's massive tsunami ripped boats from their moorings last March. This time the impact wasn't as severe.
Warnings waves may hit land this morning were quickly downgraded to a marine threat, which means the only risk was strong tidal surges and currents.
There's been criticism that the messages relayed were confusing, but Civil Defence says it's satisfied with its response.
“Now when we say warning we need to be more specific. We warn about a marine threat in this instance, and what that means is that people should stay out of the water and to refrain from boating activities,” says Civil Defence national controller David Coetzee.
With the Chilean and Japanese earthquakes we noticed current changes for the following 3 to 4 days,” says northern region duty Coastguard officer Mark Leevers.
Because of the quakes position, the largest tsunami waves - around two metres high - passed well north of New Zealand.
Even so, Civil Defence says that until tomorrow morning people should exercise caution before entering the water or going out in small boats in all parts of New Zealand.
