WELLINGTON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Some larger than usual waves can be expected in parts of New Zealand Monday afternoon after an earthquake of magnitude 8 struck near the Solomon Islands hours ago, said local seismologist.

    Bryan Field, a seismologist at Quaternary geology and geomorphology of New Zealand, said there is little threat of a tsunami reaching New Zealand but water levels could well rise, causing waves of up to a meter high to develop by at around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. local time.

    The earthquake spurs a tsunami warning for Australia and South Pacific island nations.

    New Zealand's Civil Defense said New Zealand is not part of the group of countries under the warning.

    Field also said water around Taranaki to Westport and western areas of the Cook Strait are most likely to be affected.