Media Advisory

Potential Tsunami Threat to New Zealand Update

For immediate release: 4pm Thursday 8 October 2009

The National Advisory- Potential Threat for New Zealand remains in force, and represents the official status for New Zealand.

The first waves are now arriving and will be very small however it is expected that in most areas the largest waves will not arrive until many hours after the first arrivals. The threat assessment for New Zealand remains as previously indicated.

These waves will not be destructive but have the potential to create strong currents. Our advice remains for people on the West Coast from North Cape to Hokitika and on the East Coast from North Cape to Auckland to use extreme caution on beaches and stay out of the water as well as refrain from boating activities. For other areas people should be vigilant around coastal areas.

Areas that are particularly prone to late arriving waves are the West Coast of the South Island between Hokitika and Karamea, and the Northland region of the North Island. Strong currents may not have peaked before 8pm.

ENDS

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