A 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck near Tonga.

The quake was recorded at 5.38pm, NZ time, with a depth of 237km.

The National Emergency Management Agency and GNS Science are currently assessing whether the earthquake 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 2 hours.”

The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth.

More to come: Follow NZ Herald's live updates here.