Emergency authorities have issued a marine and beach threat for the north coast of the North Island, including the Bay of Plenty shoreline.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) issed the warning at 7.55am, following a strong earthquake at Te Araroa at 4.37am, around 100km northeast of the East Cape settlement of Te Araroa, at a depth of 55km.
Shortly after 6am a potential tsunami threat was upgraded to a warning by Civil Defence.
Affected areas, including Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, should 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.