3pm: Disturbed currents and surges are likely to continue to affect the Southland coastline for several hours, the region's group controller cautions. Southland steps down its tsunami response to a monitoring level.
12:10pm: Dunedin police say people in low-lying coastal areas may be required to evacuate later today.
"Information suggests that it's possible that larger waves may hit the coast over the coming hours. The police want to ensure people will be safe rather than sorry, and ask that they take sensible precautions," said Dunedin Emergency Response Commander, Inspector Alastair Dickie.
10.50am: Otago Civil Defence issues alert saying "current national modelling information indicates the risk to the Otago coastline of a wave height of less than 1m". However, strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue over the next 12 hours.
10am: The Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has activated the emergency operations centre but says any tidal change for Southland will be non destructive.
All residents are urged to stay off the beaches and out of the water until advised that the risk of a tsunami and strong currents has passed.
9am: Dunedin police close city beaches. Police are patrolling some beaches and are asking that people cancel any planned water activities.
8.30am: Warrington beach and camping area on Warrington Domain evacuated. Lifeguards declare 'no swimming' status for the day.
8am: Dunedin Civil defence chief Neil Brown tells the Otago Daily Times there is no threat to the city after a massive earthquake in Chile triggered Pacific tsunami warnings.
"I would be very surprised if anything was noted on the shoreline here. From very early on it was obvious the risk to Dunedin was nil," Mr Brown said.
7am: Hampden campers evacuate themselves from camping ground.
3.30am: Taieri Mouth commercial fisherman Gary Homan receives warnings about a possible tsunami. He drives to the wharf at Taieri Mouth to tie up his fishing trawler with stronger ropes.
