The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) now says it is "unlikely" the earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region has caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand.
The quake struck at 3:46pm on Saturday with a magnitude of 6.6. The United States Geological Survey says it hit at a depth of 10km.
NEMA and GNS Science were quick to assess the risk of a tsunami, and in an update NEMA says coastal inundation - the flooding of land areas - is not expected as a result.
"Based on current information, the assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand," NEMA says on its site.
The quake comes two weeks after strong surges following Tonga's volcanic eruption hit Northland, sinking boats and causing millions of dollars of damage.
More than 120 people through the Far North were evacuated due to the powerful waves, while multiple boats, moorings and jetties were damaged.
