Click below to read the latest updates on this morning's earthquake
As of 12.30pm -
There is a tsunami marine and beach threat from Wellington to Banks Peninsula.
The threat for all other regions has been lifted.
All previous threat regions will experience unusually strong currents for some time.
North Canterbury & Wellington schools will remain closed until checks have been made to ensure they are safe to re-enter.
NCEA exams have been disrupted, all NZ Scholarship exams have been postponed, and universities are closed.
An Urban Search and Rescue Team from Christcurch is on its way to Kaikoura by helicopter. A St John spokesperson said it was sending extra resources into North Canterbury including rescue helicopters and additional paramedics.
State Highway 1 is closed in several places in the South Island because of earthquake damage. It is closed between Picton and Blenheim, and between Blenheim and Kaikoura.
State Highway 7 from Waipara to Springs Junction in Canterbury is also closed. The Hurunui District Council says Rotherham and Waiau are isolated by slips and damage to the bridge.
People in the region are being urged to keep off the road unless it's for emergencies.