As at 12:15 NZDT, 28 February 2010, wave activity as reported on tsunami gauges appears to have stabilised at the previously-reported levels (approximately 1.0 metres at the Chatham Islands, 0.3 metres at East Cape, Napier, Castlepoint, Tauranga and North Cape, and 0.4 metres in Gisborne).
Tsunami propogation models and historic data indicate that larger waves may follow the initial wave arrival times by 6 to 12 hours. There may also be strong surges and rapid rises in sea level in some places. The situation continues to be closely monitored.
| Location | Estimated Wave Arrival Time - Updated |
| Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa | 0752 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived |
| Chatham Islands-Waitangi | 0735 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 1.0m |
| North Cape | 0920 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m |
| Whangarei | 0945 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived |
| Auckland (North Head) | 1052 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived |
| Mt Maunganui | 0904 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m |
| East Cape | 0824 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m |
| Gisborne | 0829 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.4m |
| New Plymouth | 1126 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Napier | 0853 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived - height 0.3m |
| Wanganui | 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Wellington | 0855 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived |
| Nelson | 1035 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Marlborough Sounds (Tory Channel) | 0908 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Westport | 1038 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Greymouth | 1020 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Christchurch (New Brighton) | 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - arrived |
| Timaru | 0910 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Milford Sound | 0935 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Dunedin | 0900 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Bluff | 0928 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
| Stewart Island | 0951 NZDT 28 February 2010 - no reports or gauge data, but assumed to have arrived |
People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
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 your local Civil Defence authorities.
Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.
Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. A wave measuring 2.34 metres was measured at Talcahuano, Chile and 0.35 metres at Easter Island, Chile. A wave measuring 0.16 metres was recorded in Apia, Samoa and a wave measuring 0.10 metres in Nukualofa, Tonga. A 1.5 metre wave has been reported at Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands. Further arrival times and wave heights for New Zealand mainland coastal areas are noted in the table below.
Based on modelling and measured waves arriving in New Zealand, the interpretation of the Tsunami Experts Panel is that a marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats corresponding to wave heights less than 1 metre) still exists for the entire east coasts of the North and South Island from Puysegur around to Cape Reinga and extending south to Ahipara. Some land threat also still exists for the Chatham Islands and Banks Peninsula i.e. wave heights between 1 and 3 metres. There may be some small observable sea level changes on parts of the west coast of both islands.
Wave heights refer to maximum water level relative to the normal sea level at the beach. This does not take tides into account. Based on historical events it is expected that the greatest wave heights could occur between 6 and 12 hours after the initial arrivals.
This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.
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