Feelings of relief swept through the student body of Kaitaia Abundant Life School and Te Rangi Aniwaniwa School as news of the tsunami warning had been downgraded earlier this afternoon.
Both schools were sheltering together inside the Te Rangi Aniwaniwa School Hall, where Kaitaia students were treated to Kapa Haka performances from their hosts.
Despite the tsunami warning, Kaitaia Abundant Life School teacher Opeloge Ah Sam says the mood was generally “positive”.
“Some of the younger ones [have] been upset but comforted by older ones,” says Ah Sam.
“We [have] a few overseas students from Brazil keeping in touch with family.”
Both schools were now being treated to a big shared lunch, with Kaitaia Abundant Life students set to return to their school premises later today.
The National Emergency Management Agency said the biggest waves had now passed and the tsunami warnings had been downgraded at 1:20pm today.
Evacuees are allowed to return home, but marine and beach threats are staying in place and people have been warned to stay out of the water and away from beaches.
