The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has cancelled a tsunami alert for Tonga after a 7.4 magnitude near the Kermadec Islands.
The cancellation comes after New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has cleared New Zealand of a tsunami threat minutes after issuing a beach warning following the 10.55am quake.
A Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management spokesman said there may be some strong currents but there was nothing to indicate a threat to life and safety in New Zealand.
Tidal gauges at Raoul Island, which lay between the epicentre and New Zealand, had shown good news, he said.
Raoul Island is home to a Department of Conservation (DOC) station.
A DOC spokeswoman confirmed all seven staff based on Raoul Island were safe and accounted for.
“There are no other contractors or visitors on the island,” she said.
At this stage, they were unsure of any damage on the island and staff would be assessing this, she said.
The Kermadec Islands Nature Reserve and Marine Reserve is the most remote area managed by DOC and can only be visited with a special permit.
