Two areas in the wider Hawke’s Bay area are now under states of emergency with river levels rising rapidly and coastal iundation in some areas.
Evacuations have also taken place in Gisborne, with heavy rain and high swells causing rivers to rise rapidly.
In Hawke’s Bay, evacuations have been taking place in Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton since about 1:30am – with residents being moved to the local school. In Gisborne, residents in Te Karaka are evacuating after the Waipaoa River reached dangerous levels.
Story continues after live blog.