*This story first appeared on RNZ and is republished with permission.
The largest waves caused by the 8.1 magnitude earthquake have now passed and everyone who evacuated can now return, but people are still being warned to stay away from the shore.
Multiple tsunami warnings were issued by Civil Defence this morning after a 8.1 magnitude quake near the Kermadec Islands.
It was the third earthquake this morning, following a 7.4 quake near the Kermadec Islands earlier, and a 7.1 quake off the East Coast.
Surge activity was seen off Northland today, while residents of the evacuated township of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast captured video of a large surge of water sweeping into the bay.
However, in its latest advisory, Civil Defence said GNS Science had advised that the largest waves have now passed
"Therefore the threat level is now downgraded to a Beach and Marine threat for all areas which were previously under Land and Marine threat.
"All people who evacuated can now return."
The advice remains, for all areas under Beach and Marine threat, to stay off beach and shore areas.
Emergency Management Minister Kiri Allan said at an update in Parliament earlier this morning that the threat was a "dynamic event".
Civil leaders have been urging residents keep up to date with news and alerts.
People in the East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Islands to Whangārei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay, including Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki and Great Barrier Island were instructed to to move immediately higher ground this morning. Those in all Auckland coastal areas were instructed to stay away from beaches, harbours and estuaries.
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