UPDATED: The beach and marine threat, which was issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence earlier this morning, has been lifted for Bay of Plenty.

Group Controller Clinton Naude says people in coastal areas should continue to exercise caution.

"The seas will remain unsettled for sometime yet so at this stage we are still recommending people stay out of the water and off the beaches."

People in coastal areas should:

• Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
• Stay off beaches and shore areas
• Do not go sightseeing
• Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

Further updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management's Facebook page www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence and website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz .

Earlier:

A beach and marine threat, which was issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management for the east coast of the North Island earlier this morning, still exists for Bay of Plenty.

For residents that chose to evacuate it's safe for them to return to their homes.

A resident in Katikati reported feeling the 7.5 earthquake just after midnight.

Another resident says their blinds in their house were shaking and ornaments hanging from the ceiling were swinging.

Bay of Plenty group controller Clinton Naude is urging the community to exercise caution around beaches, estuaries, rivers and streams.

"The unsettled seas may still cause changes to currents, tides and wave patterns. We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the morning.”

People in the coastal areas should:

• Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
• Stay off beaches and shore areas
• Do not go sightseeing
• Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
• Follow instructions of local civil defence authorities

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management's website www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz and on www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. As the situation evolves, more information will be available.

Meanwhile, police continue to work with other emergency services and support communities in response to the earthquake which occurred just after midnight.

One casualty has been reported at a collapsed property in Kaikora.

Police are also trying to access a property at Mt Lyford north of Christchurch where a further casualty has been reported, which is believed to be a fatality.

Police districts in the North and South Island are working with fire and civil defence to check areas where damage has occurred.

Wellington City Council has advised people not to travel into the city this morning.

Police warn that anyone who does intend coming into the city could experience delays on the motorway as train services are currently suspended.

The Chatham Islands and the coastal areas between Blenheim and Banks Peninsula are still prone to a marine and land threat. #eqnz

— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016

Some roads in the city may not be accessible, and diversions may be in place.

Police urge everyone in the affected areas to continue to listening to advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, as well as local Civil Defence services.

Police expect to have a fuller picture of the situation as it gets light.

The Police 111 service is working normally for anyone who wishes to report an emergency.

All schools from North Canterbury to Wellington are closed, including early childhood education centres.

State Highway 1, between Christchurch and Picton is closed.

KiwiRail has suspended all train services.

Christchurch Airport is still open.