LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff
The National Emergency Management Agency said there is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, small boats and anyone in or near the water close to shore in many of New Zealand s coastal regions. At the height of the alert, cellphones in high-alert areas received a tsunami alert and tsunami sirens were activated. A Civil Defence mobile emergency alert sent to Aucklanders mid-morning advised them to stay away from the sea, rivers and estuaries due to the marine tsunami threat to coastal areas.
RYAN ANDERSON/STUFF
Hundreds of Mangawhai Heads residents wait out the tsunami warning on higher ground.
Residents evacuated in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Great Barrier Island can return home but people around the country advised to take extra care around the coast.
Residents evacuated in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Great Barrier Island can return home but people around the country advised to take extra care around the coast.
Residents evacuated in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Great Barrier Island can return home but people around the country advised to take extra care around the coast.