The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.

Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

Auckland's ferries have been cancelled and boaties warned to head for deep water as New Zealand faces a possible tsunami.

Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.

A man who fed live kittens to his pitbull claims he is 'an animal lover'.

Rest-home nurses who rushed to an 82-year-old patient's scream found her on the floor with another patient's walking frame on top of her.

Rain eased in Gisborne overnight and surrounding roads reopened after flooding and slips caused evacuations.

The residents of Mangatuna village, north of Tolaga Bay, were moved out this morning as the Uawa River rose from its usual four metres to 11 metres.