A severe 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the east of New Zealand's North Island, prompting a tsunami warning, and authorities advised people in coastal areas to move immediately to high ground.

Tsunami waves were possible within 300km of the quake’s epicentre, said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).

“Anyone near the coast who felt a long or strong quake should move immediately to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can,” the National Emergency Management Agency said in a tweet...