20 MARCH 2009 - A tsunami advisory has been issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management (MCDEM) for all coastal regions of New Zealand following a large earthquake near Tonga at 7.17am today.

The alert means that a tsunami is possible but not yet confirmed.

If a tsunami has been generated by the earthquake, the first waves are expected to reach the Southland coast by approximately midday today.

The Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has activated the emergency operations centre and is awaiting more definite advice from the national tsunami advisory panel.

In the meantime, all residents of coastal areas are urged to stay tuned to their radio stations for further information.

A further update will be issued at 9.30am unless the situation changes.