Official tsunami warnings are in place for the entire east coast of New Zealand after a massive earthquake hit Chile overnight.

On instruction from the Port Authority, vessels berthed at Auckland port were moved off their berths to deep water.

The evacuation of the port will delay the departure of Matua II Voyage 63 from the port of Auckland.

The `all clear' was received shortly after noon 28 February and ships commenced returning to the port shortly thereafter to resume normal operations.

As a result of the port evacuation and subsequent delay Matua II Voyage 63 Auckland departure will now be 2 March 2010.

Sunday 28 February 2010