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.

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.

Five people are dead after a series of crashes overnight.

Victoria Bartle looks at the people behind Nelson's boutique breweries.

The number of Kiwis using internet dating sites spiked in January, a poll has found.

Unique melodies from rare partnership thrill and mesmerise.

Police slam the "negligent behaviour" of a person who informed the wrong family about a tragic logging death after listening in on a police scanner.

An eavesdropper informed the wrong family that a relative of their's had died following a forestry accident today.

Police are seeking legal advice on whether to lay further charges against blogger Cameron Slater for breaching suppression orders.