Organisers of surf lifesaving's national championships in Mount Maunganui will continue with competition today as the threat of a tsunami from an earthquake in Japan recedes.
SLSNZ spokesman Nathan Hight said his organisation had been working through the night, monitoring reports from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, and had several trained
specialists on the beach giving advice.
"We've been in constant contact with the Ministry of Civil Defence and they've advised us that it's a water-based threat rather than a land-based threat in the Tauranga area," Hight said.
"In agreement with them, we've decided to proceed with the beach events this morning and we're hopeful of getting back to the water events later in the day when the all-clear is given.
"As always, the safety of our athletes is our main priority and we're encouraging our members to keep out of the water for now."
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council reported that waves had hit New Zealand shores this morning but only at a height of just 15cm.
However, the council warned higher waves were expected to follow in the next few hours, following Japan's deadly 8.9-magnitude quake yesterday.
Civil Defence this morning downgraded a tsunami warning to a marine threat and minor land threat for coastal areas between Northland and the Bay of Plenty and the Chatham Islands.
Nelson is the last place in New Zealand expected to be hit by the tsunami-generated waves, at about 11.15am.
The first signs of a tsunami began to wash up on the shores of Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and Hawaii overnight, but the waves were small and no damage was reported.
The tsunami washed away cars and tore away buildings along Japan's eastern coast near the epicentre of the massive quake which struck at 2.46pm (6.46pm NZT).
It's a case of deju vu for local surf officials, after last year's under-14 championships were also disrupted by a Tsunami warning after an earthquake in Chile.
