New Zealand is facing a number of maritime issues on Sunday with the National Emergency Management Agency saying coastal areas on the north and east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore.
The activity has been caused by the eruption at 4:10am (local time) of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano, located about 65km north of Nuku'alofa, caused a 1.2-metre tsunami.
Tsunami waves of 83cm were observed by gauges at the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa and waves of 2 ft at Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
Cyclone Cody is also expected to reach New Zealand later today and could cause dangerous coastal conditions, particularly for Gisborne and the East Cape.
Latest reports Cody is unlikely to make landfall as it moves further east meaning most of the country will escape the full effects, although there is likely to be strong wind and rain.
What you need to know
- Tsunami warnings were triggered for several South Pacific island nations including New Zealand after an underwater volcano off Tonga erupted on Saturday, but Aotearoa's is now cancelled
- Kiwis are being advised to stay out of the water due to strong currents and coastal surges.
- NEMA says there could be dangerous marine conditions in the coastal areas on the north and east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands
- Power is still out in much off Tonga after the eruption and subsequent tsunami that hit the small kingdom
These live updates have finished.
8:55pm - Significant work will be required to fix the Far North's Tūtūkākā Marina, which was severely impacted by strong surges after the eruption of underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai in the Pacific.
Police said emergency services received a number of calls from people based in the Far North between 11pm and 12am, including Te Rere Bay and Shipwreck Bay.
More than 120 people were evacuated last night due to the powerful waves.
Police, Fire and Emergency, and Coastguard also assisted with evacuations of boats moored at Tūtūkākā Marina last night.
Northland regional harbourmaster Jim Lyle said today that sections of the marina had broken off, piles had been pulled out of the seabed and a number of vessels had sunk.
8:20pm - The Kingdom of Tonga doesn't often attract global attention, but a violent eruption of an underwater volcano on January 15 has spread shock waves, quite literally, around half the world.
The volcano is usually not much to look at. It consists of two small uninhabited islands, Hunga-Ha'apai and Hunga-Tonga, poking about 100m above sea level 65km north of Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa. But hiding below the waves is a massive volcano, around 1800m high and 20km wide.
The Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano has erupted regularly over the past few decades. During events in 2009 and 2014/15 hot jets of magma and steam exploded through the waves. But these eruptions were small, dwarfed in scale by the January 2022 events.
Research into these earlier eruptions suggests this is one of the massive explosions the volcano is capable of producing roughly every thousand years.
Why are the volcano's eruptions so highly explosive, given that sea water should cool the magma down?
7:45pm - The eruption of underwater volcano Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai has had a significant impact on the environment beyond the tsunami felt in Tonga.
GNS Science volcano duty officer Dr Geoff Kilgour said it was likely the vents that exploded were just beneath the sea surface, sending a 20km-high plume of smoke and ash into the stratosphere which spread into a large umbrella cloud of around 300km in diameter.
That resulted in ash, small particles of broken rock falling back towards the earth, and an increased presence of sulphur from the explosion.
"You've had magma somewhere between 11,000 and 12,000 degrees, interacting with seawater, that very quickly changes that water into steam so it rapidly explodes and fragments that rock into very small pieces, and then it sent a very strong impulsive explosion and the really unusual aspect about this eruption is that it's essentially sent this huge pressure wave, right around the globe."
The eruption could be a sign of increased activity, Kilgour warns.
7:15pm - The tsunami warning for New Zealand has been cancelled, Civil Defence has announced.
"The advice from GNS Science, based on ocean observations, is that the beach and marine threat has now passed for all areas," they say.
"Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for up to another 24 hours in some locations around the entire country. People should remain vigilant and take extra precautions with regards to beach and ocean activities."
6:50pm - Access to Moturiki (Leisure Island) in Tauranga has been closed due to significant sea swells and the high incoming tide, the Tauranga City Council says.
"This closure is to ensure public safety. Warning signs advising of the closure are in place," they say.
"The closure will be reassessed tomorrow."
6:27pm - NZ Warriors have launched a disaster relief package, as Tongan sports stars react to the volcanic eruption and tsunami in their homeland overnight.
The Auckland NRL team - currently based in Queensland, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions - feature several Tongan players on their roster, including Mate Ma'a internationals Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila.
"Our hearts go out to Tonga, and especially the families and communities suffering at this difficult time," says Warriors chief executive Cam George.
"Tonga and its people have always held a very special place for us and always will.
Read the full story here.
5:52pm - The ACT Party has slammed Civil Defence for not activating the emergency mobile alert system and tsunami sirens before strong surges hit Northland following Tonga's devastating volcano eruption.
Many boats moored at the marina were damaged after large swells reached the area.
But ACT's Civil Defence spokesperson James McDowall says no tsunami alerts were issued specifically for Tutukaka and this "put lives at risk".
"We have these systems in place for a reason, to protect lives and property. Kiwis shouldn't have to rely on proactively checking Minister Kiritapu Allan's Facebook page for warnings," he says.
Read the full story here.
5:43pm - The MetService has released maps show the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai on Saturday.
5:15pm - The National Party has shared its concerns for the people of Tonga and supports New Zealand standing ready to provide assistance.
"Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga as they deal with the damage and distress brought about by the recent tsunami that followed a volcanic eruption," Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon said.
"I know that there will be many people around New Zealand tonight waiting to hear about their family, friends and loved ones while communication remains unstable, and our thoughts are with them too.
"National's Pacific Peoples spokesperson Dr Shane Reti has reached out to local Pacific leaders, the Tongan Consul, and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio on behalf of the opposition to express our sympathy and offer our support.
"It is a relief that so far there have been no official reports of injuries or deaths.
"We welcome the Government's commitment today to providing humanitarian assistance.
"I hope that the Government is poised and prepared to deliver this assistance as quickly as possible including, if appropriate, dispatching the multi-purpose Aotearoa vessel if planes are not able to safely fly over the volcanic ash cloud.
"We must help our Pacific friends and family in any way that we can."
5:05pm - Tonga is facing devastation following a destructive volcano eruption and tsunami.
The eruption caused damage to buildings and roads and there is widespread flooding.
Power has been restored to some of Nuku'alofa and local mobile phones are working, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday. There have been no official reports of deaths.
Click here for the latest photos and videos showing the devastating aftermath in Tonga and damage from the tsunami around the world.
3:44pm - The press conference has now eneded.
3:41pm - The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta has released a statement saying "New Zealand stands ready to assist the people of Tonga".
She said the thoughts of New Zealanders are with the people of Tonga following Saturday's undersea volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami.
"Damage assessments are under way and New Zealand has formally offered to provide assistance to Tonga," said Mahuta.
New Zealand has made an initial $500,000 available to respond to requests from the Government of Tonga as they come in.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NZDF and other New Zealand agencies are working through air and sea options to provide assistance to Tonga.
A New Zealand Defence Force P3 Orion is on standby to provide aerial surveillance and support the Government of Tonga gain visibility of the impact on the outer islands, as soon as atmospheric conditions allow.
"As yet there are no official reports of injuries or deaths. However, communications are limited," Mahuta said.
"The ew Zealand High Commission in Nuku'alofa is monitoring the situation closely and is in contact with local authorities.
"Anyone in the affected area should follow the advice of the local authorities, including any tsunami evacuation orders, and try to contact their family back in New Zealand.
"Communications links with Tonga have been disrupted so New Zealanders may have difficulties contacting their whānau in Tonga at this time. Authorities are working as quickly as possible to re-establish communication links."
New Zealanders in Tonga should stay informed of developments by monitoring local media.
3:36pm - Ardern is now speaking about storm surges in New Zealand. She is urging people to follow NEMA's precautions that have been released on Saturday and Sunday.
She asked people to follow those rules and stay away from the water.
3:34pm - William Sio is now speaking and he said there is "overwhelming concern" but said his message was to be patient and to remain calm.
He said it was too early and he urged people to allow government organisations to determine the damage and what is required in Tonga.
3:30pm - Ardern said the images and videos from the eruption on Saturday brought home the scale and the violence of that eruption.
She said how close the eruption was to Tonga caused everyone to be immediately very concerned for friends and family.
3:26pm - Logistics teams, engineers and medics which is normally deployed in the first instance in naval ships, Henare said.
Henare said they are taking all the measures possible to keep the people of tonga safe from COVID-19.
3:21pm - Ardern is back speaking saying they want to be in Tonga as soon as possible.
She said they are preparing ships to travel "as we speak".
Ardern said the focus has been on Tonga and no other reports suggest that no other places in the Pacific require support.
3:20pm - Henare is now talking about the reconnaissance flight and said is looking to help in any way it can.
They said the flight when deployed will have all the necessary goods the Tonga people will need.
If the flight was not possible because it was not safe, the NZ navy would be ready to deploy.
3:18pm - The top of the ash cloud is estimated to be at 63,000 feet, higher than an NZ aircraft would be able to fly, Ardern said.
3:16pm - Sio is now speaking about communications. He said the King of Tonga is well and fine.
3:13pm - Ardern is now taking questions.
Ardern said that power has been restored to some of Nuku'alofa, and local mobile phones are working.
Ardern said the Government is currently receiving reports from the NZ High Commission and they don't have reports from coastal areas.
Ardern said there is a clear identification from Tonga they need a supply of water.
3:11pm - The Government of Tonga has accepted an offer of assistance from New Zealand of NZDF survivance flight.
A NZDF P3 Orion aircraft is ready to go on Monday morning, subject to conditions including ashfall, Ardern said.
The Government is looking at deploying a navy vessel but they are waiting for an assessment from Tonga.
But Ardern said it is currently not safe for that flight to travel.
Ardern said Government has approved half a million dollars to help respond to any request for assistance from Tongan authorities.
3:07pm - Ardern said the main undersea communications cable has been impacted, likely due to a loss of power.
The Government has approved half a million for support of Tonga.
3:04pm - The Prime Minister and ministers Henare and Sio have made their way into the room.
Ardern is speaking.
Ardern says the Government has been urgently trying to get information from the Pacific
She said there are no official reports of deaths or injuries.
She said there is 30 New Zealanders in Tonga all have been reported safe.
Offical damage assessments are not available yet but communications are limited due to damage.
2:58pm - We are just moments away from the PM's press conference. Stay here for all the updates.
2:52pm - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will hold a press conference at 3pm in Auckland about the ongoing situation in Tonga.
The Prime Minister will be joined by Minister of Defence Peeni Henare and Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
You can watch the press conference live in the video above and here.
2:30pm - Gisborne District Council is reminding people to keep out and away from the water as the region prepares for Cyclone Cody, which will likely hit on Monday.
Civil Defence emergency manager Ben Green said they are still expecting "hazardous weather" even though forecasts have shown the cyclone is tracking east.
"Significant and hazardous waves are expected tomorrow (Monday) with the potential for dangerous rip currents inshore and unpredictable surges," Green said. "This means it is not safe for people to be in the water at this time and we urge them to stay on land."
Council's principal scientist Dr Murry Cave said while the tsunami surges in Gisborne have not been as significant as Northland, there are still strong currents with overall water levels already higher than normal due to storm surge from Cyclone Cody.
"The tsunami surges have not affected any coastal properties but some scouring of sand dunes at the top of beaches was observed today and a lot of seaweed pushed up towards the top of beaches between Pouawa and the city beaches," Dr Cave said.
"Rocks with gooseneck barnacles attached were thrown up among the seaweeds at Wainui Beach.
"High tide at 5.30pm is the critical time with possible tsunami currents and storm surge from Cody building with three-metre plus swells on top of the tide.
"Big swells are expected overnight and the high tide early on Monday morning is when the storm surge is likely to be five to six metres on top of the tide."
2:20pm - Facebook photos have shown more damage at the Tutukaka Marina in Whangārei.
The photos show structural damage to boats and the marina.
1:58pm - Fiji Airways has announced flights departing and arriving in Nadi and Suva have been cancelled or rescheduled due to the ash clouds caused by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption.
They said "safety remains paramount" for the airline and has cancelled around 13 flights.
1:38pm - Surf Life Saving Australia has announced they have cancelled the Iron Man and Woman series event in Bondi due to current beach closures and tsunami warnings in place in New South Wales.
"Based on the advice received from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and Surf Life Saving NSW, along with the closure of beaches along the east coast of Australia, SLSA has made the decision to cancel today's event," they said.
"Round three of the Nutri-Grain IronMan & IronWoman Series is postponed with the date and details to be confirmed."
1:18pm - Newshub has received photos showing damage to the Tutukaka Marina in Whangarei.
The damage was caused by a tsunami surge that hit the marina at about 9.30pm on Saturday.
The photos show boats submerged underwater, damage to vessels and damage to the structure in the marine.
1:02pm - NEMA is urging anyone in coastal areas of New Zealand to take "extra care" on Sunday.
NEMA posted on Twitter that said Cyclone Cody and the Tsunami in Tonga may cause "rough conditions".
"If you are in a coastal area of New Zealand today take extra care.
"Both the tsunami from the eruption in Tonga and Tropical Cyclone Cody are affecting New Zealand seas.
"Coasts may experience rough conditions. Check info from local authorities and don't take any chances."
1pm - Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, has said they are closely following the situation and said support was on standby.
Guterres posted on Twitter that he was "grateful" to countries that have already offered their support.
"I am following with concern the situation in Tonga. The @UN offices in the Pacific are closely monitoring the situation and are on standby to provide support if requested. I am grateful to countries that have already offered their support."
12:56pm - Storm tidal surges in the Far North of New Zealand has seen boats sink overnight.
Police said emergency services received several calls from people based in the Far North between 11pm and 12am, including Te Rere Bay and Shipwreck Bay.
Northland Civil Defence spokesperson Murray Soljak said more than 120 people through the Far North were evacuated on Saturday night due to the powerful waves
Soljak said the damage caused to boats in Tūtūkākā Marina on Saturday night was due to a single wave, however, surges along the coast are continuing at regular intervals.
Read the full story here.
12:41pm - Hawke's Bay Civil Defence and Emergency is urging people in the region to stay out of the water because of Cyclone Cody and the large volcanic eruption at Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'pai in Tonga until Wednesday.
Group Controller Ian Macdonald said there is a real safety risk to people close to or in the water because of the two events.
"We are advising people to move out of the water, refrain from boating and stay off beaches and shore areas until Wednesday," Macdonald said. "Cyclone Cody is tracking further to the east then initially forecast and the risk of strong winds and significant rain for Hawke's Bay has reduced, however it is likely that the region's coastline will experience significant waves and hazardous sea conditions from this storm from today through Tuesday. "
NEMA has issued a National Advisory for a tsunami which is expected to result in strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the Hawke's Bay shore.
"The large volcanic eruption in Tonga has resulted in some minor tsunami activity along the Hawke's Bay coast with strong and unusual currents of up to half a metre in Napier and unpredictable surges observed on tsunami gauges," he said.
"This threat must be regarded as real until the Advisory is cancelled."
Macdonald said the Hawke's Bay Harbourmaster has recommended boat owners check moorings in the Inner Harbour, being careful to stay out of the water.
"Remember, ongoing surges may be larger than others and it is not unusual for tsunami surges to continue for 12 hours," Macdonald said. "Dangerous currents can also persist in harbours for 60 hours or more. Otherwise people are advised to stay out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries.
"We are urging everyone in Hawke's Bay to keep up-to-date with conditions over the next couple of days."
12:15pm - Newshub has received drone footage showing damage to the Tutukaka Marina in Whangarei.
The damage was caused by a tsunami surge that hit the marina at about 9.30pm on Saturday.
The footage shows one boat that had sunk and several others to break free from their mornings and come run into other boats.
The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management spokesman, Murray Soljak, said there was damage to the structure in the marina with part of the fuel jetty coming loose.
12:07pm - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has posted a picture from space on Instagram showing the volcanic eruption in Tonga.
She said the images are "hugely concerning" and said New Zealand's defence force team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working to establish communications with Tonga.
"The images of the volcanic eruption in close proximity to Tonga are hugely concerning," Ardern said. "Communication as a result of the eruption has been difficult, but our defence force team and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working as we speak to establish what’s needed and how we can help.
"I’ll be giving an update again at 3pm. Till then, I know we are thinking of our pacific friends and family."
12pm - Spark has announced they are waiving all charges for calls to Tonga from Spark landlines or mobiles until next Sunday.
"We are waiving all charges for calls to Tonga from Spark landlines or mobiles until next Sunday.
"We know immediate contact may not be possible, due to infrastructure damage in Tonga but want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to connect with kâinga when they can."
11:57am - Gisborne’s Waikanae Beach has been seeing surges up to a metre all Sunday morning. Lifeguards told Newshub that they have been telling people to get off the beach.
11:27am - Civil Defence in Northland has provided an update saying unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore has been extended to include the west coast of the South Island.
They have also received reports of surge activity on Northland's west coast and advise people to stay away from beaches and shorelines.
11:23am - Photos have emerged showing the damage caused by the eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano on Saturday, which caused a 1.2-metre tsunami.
Photos show flooding at the Royal Palace and at Bank South Pacific which is one of the main banks in Tonga.
They also show damage to local houses caused by flooding.
11:20am - Newshub has received a video showing water surging at the Tongaporutu River in Taranaki on Sunday morning.
The surge is caused by the eruption in Tonga with NEMA putting in place a National Advisory for Tsunami activity for the east coast of the North Island, the Chatham Islands and the west coast of the South Island.
11:13am - US Stormwatch has tweeted the eight-minute eruption is one of the most violent ever captured on satellite.
"The ongoing eruption of Tonga's Hunga Tonga volcano appears to be the most powerful and violent eruption of the 21st century."
They have released footage showing the moment the eruption occurred.
11:05am - Lifeguards have closed Whangamata beach saying conditions could be "potentially very dangerous".
"The beach has been closed because of the very rough sea and swell conditions made worse by the large surges created by the volcanic activity in Tonga.
"This all adds up to the beach and water being potentially very dangerous.
Our advice is to stay out of the water and off the beach.
Lifeguards will be undertaking observational patrols between the hours of 10am and 6pm.
11:00am - A time-lapse video has been posted on Facebook showing water surging at Snells Beach near Warkworth just north of Auckland.
10:53am - Australia’s east coast is still under a marine tsunami warning after the underground volcano struck near Tonga on Saturday.
This saw police and the State Emergency Service evacuate Bondi Beach, in Sydney’s east, as a precaution overnight according to a video from the scene.
The beach has since been re-opened for swimmers on Sunday morning.
"Last night around midnight we were asked to assist the SES with moving people off of the sand at the beach and the promenade nearby," a police spokeswoman told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Sunday.
10:32am -The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia received confirmation from the Australian High Commission around 10pm on Saturday and midnight that there were no casualties in Tonga.
They said that sea communication cables are damaged as a result of the volcanic eruption.
10:25am - NEMA is warning people on the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands to stay off beaches and shore areas.
They say there is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities.
Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event.
NEMA is advising people to:
- Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, rivers and estuaries.
- Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
- Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.
NEMA says that strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours. They say that the threat must be regarded as real until this advisory is cancelled.
10:19am - The Tauranga City Council have announced the Mauao base track in Mount Maunganui will be closed on Sunday as a precaution due to strong and unpredictable surges.
This comes following the large volcanic eruption in Tonga on Saturday as well as higher than normal swells generated by Cyclone Cody.
This closure is to ensure public safety. Signage and barriers will be in place at all closure points.
The closure will be reassessed tomorrow.
10:00am - The threat from cyclone Cody is receeding with Met Sevice saying the heavy rain watch for Gisborne and the Wairoa District has been lifted.
There is now only have a strong wind watch in place for eastern Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne.
09:50am - Residents near Tutukaka Marina have been posting images on a community Facebook page of the damage caused by large swells on Saturday night.
The marina was hit in the aftermath of the Tongan eruption.
9:44am - NEMA has extended its warning to include the west coast of the South Island, now in addition to coastal areas on the north and east coast of the North Island, and the Chatham Islands.
09:30am - Cyclone Cody was felt in the Bay of Islands last night with seven metre waves reported.
The cyclone is moving away from New Zealand, but its sting is still being felt here. Coastal communities are being warned even bigger waves could come.
09:27am - "Waves have been building at Matapouri in Northland and this evening the water sucked out of half the bay, followed by massive surges up into the estuary," resident Rebecca Hendl-Smith said.
"Pretty scary and I reckon most of us on the Sandspit [will be] evacuated soon after that," Hendl-Smith wrote on Twitter.
09:23am - Civil Defence Northland said on Sunday multiple boats and structures were damaged at Tutukaka Marina.
"Daylight has confirmed the extent of the damage at Tutukaka Marina, with sad news for the owners of a number of boats and clean-up work already well underway.
"What is also clear is that frequent and strong surge activity is continuing now - on top of the seas that are already being driven in from Cyclone Cody - and is likely to be taking place along the full length of Northland's east coast.
"Please continue to take extreme care in and around the water and don't give in to the temptation to go sightseeing - the combination of the effects of Cyclone Cody and already-heightened sea levels with tsunami surge from the Tonga eruption has the potential to create hazards that have not previously been experienced."
09:20am - Kiwis are being advised to stay out of the water in north and east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands.
09:08am - New Zealand's emergency management agency (NEMA) issued an advisory on tsunami activity for its north and east coasts with the areas expected to experience strong and unusual currents, and unpredictable surges at the shore.
"Tsunami activity continues to be observed following the Tongan eruption," the agency said in an update on Sunday morning.
"We expect coastal areas on the north and east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Islands to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore."
NEMA warned people to stay out of the water and off beaches and shore areas.
09:00am - Tonga was struck by a tsunami on Saturday after the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai underwater volcano erupted.
Power is still out and communication with the island nation is still hard. Residents had to evacuate in near darkness as ash from the eruption blacked out the sky.
For more on the eruption and tsunami click here
