UPDATED: Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is urging residents in the Bay of Plenty to listen to the radio due to a tsunami warning which has been issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

Group Controller Clinton Naude says that they have activated emergency response.

People in the coastal areas should:

• Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
• Stay off beaches and shore areas
• Do not go sightseeing
• Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
• Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
• Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management's website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. As the situation evolves, more information will be available. A list of relevant radio frequencies and websites are listed at the end of this release.

Earlier:

A severe earthquake has struck off the North Island's East Cape, generating tsunami waves and triggering a tsunami warning.

The quake - 7.1 in magnitude, 130km north-east of Te Araroa at a depth of 55km at 4.37am - was felt from Northland to Wellington in the North Island, and in the top of the South Island. Severe reports were felt in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.

Civil Defence says the first tsunami activity had already arrived - a wave measuring 30 cm - which was measured at East Cape shortly after 6am.

Tsunami activity will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this warning is cancelled.

In Tauranga, high tide is due around 7.30am and 6.54am in the East Cape.

People in coastal areas have been warned to stay off the beaches and shore.

Civil Defence advised residents to listen to radio/TV for further updates, and follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

Advice from the Civil Defence:

People in the above/ coastal areas should:
1. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
2. Stay off beaches and shore areas
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

National Tsunami warning: First tsunami activity arrived with 30cm wave. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours. Stay off beaches

— BOP Civil Defence (@BOPCivilDefence) September 1, 2016