Update 6pm - Civil Defence has determined a 7.6 magnitude earthquake which hit near Loyalty Islands will not affect New Zealand.

The earthquake hit southeast of Loyalty Islands at about 5.18pm NZT, says Civil Defence in a media release.

"MCDEM has assessed the information with the assistance of science advisors. Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will affect New Zealand.

"This will be the final message via the National Warning System for this event unless the event parameters change significantly."

Earlier:

Civil Defence is assessing whether a 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Loyalty Islands will affect New Zealand.

The earthquake hit southeast of Loyalty Islands at about 5.18pm NZT, says Civil Defence in a media release.

'The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and GNS Science are currently assessing whether this has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand.

'If a tsunami has been generated in this location it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 3 hours.

'We will send a further update to media as soon as the initial assessment has been completed.

'Updates will also be published on our website www.civildefence.govt.nz, NZCivilDefence Facebook page and Twitter @NZCivilDefence.

'Only messages issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

'Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre messages do not represent the official warning status for New Zealand.”

If the LOYALTY ISLANDS earthquake has generated a tsunami it is not likely to arrive in New Zealand for at least 3 hours.

— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) December 5, 2018