Relaxed coastal suburb attracts a range of residents.

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.

Port of Tauranga, New Zealand's biggest export port, has posted a 2 per cent gain in first-half profit by reining in costs as freight volumes fell, eroding revenue.

A pitbull owner suffered serious head and arm injuries when his own two pitbull crosses attacked him inside his home this morning.