A Chinese navy ship fired live rounds on Saturday after issuing a warning through a radio broadcast, the New Zealand government said.
Personnel on a New Zealand naval frigate "observed live rounds being fired from the Zunyi's main gun, as would be expected during such an exercise," the office of the New Zealand defense minister said in a statement.
It came a day after China conducted drills in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, which led to disruptions in flights.
Speaking of the drills on Friday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the government did not yet have "a satisfactory answer from China as to the question of the notice" of the drills, which he has said was "disconcerting" for commercial aviation.
Australia and New Zealand have been monitoring the three Chinese navy vessels — a frigate, a cruiser and a supply tanker — since they were seen off Australia's shores last week.
Australia and New Zealand decry inadequate notice
This was the second such exercise in two days in international waters of the Tasman Sea, held despite Australia and New Zealand complaining of inadequate prior notice.
"As happened yesterday, the Chinese Task Group advised via radio channels of its intent to conduct live firing," the statement by New Zealand's defense minister's office said.
For a second, commercial air traffic was alerted of China's naval drills.
"Defence is working with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority to ensure all aircraft are notified. The safety of all people, aircraft and vessels in the area remains our paramount concern."
New Zealand said its concerns over notification times and best practices would be "communicated appropriately."
Marles said that while China did not violate international law, it did not follow the best practice of giving 12-24 hours' notice, and Canberra had raised this issue with Beijing.
Marles also said that Beijing has failed to give a satisfactory explanation for for what he called inadequate notice of Friday's live-fire drill.
