Schools are being closed across Northland as the flooding risk increases due to heavy rain.
Rivers are rapidly rising in the Far North as the region is hammered by rain today.
A low-pressure system is blasting the upper North Island with heavy rain and strong winds, bringing the risk of surface flooding, slips and rising rivers.
Bay of Islands College told Newshub it has sent its students home at midday as a precaution while the roads are still clear.
Kawakawa Primary School also posted to social media it has closed today.
"This weather looks like it is not going to let up and roads are already looking like flooding," it posted.
"We have already sent one staff member home to Waikare and with high tide approaching we have other staff members who will also need to head home.
"Based on all this the board of trustees have made the decision to close the school today. We ask all whanau who are able to contact the school and/or make arrangements to have their tamariki picked up."
Already a webcam on the site of the Kaeo River shows it overflowing its banks, and approaching the point of flooding nearby roads.
MetService says the front started to hit the Northland region last night.
"This front defined the onset of heavy rain for the area with 50mm already clocked in our Kerikeri rain gauge since 11:30pm last night with plenty more to come," it says on Facebook.
"Rain and our orange heavy rain warning over the Northland region is expected to ease by 4pm this afternoon as the cold front (drawn in blue) moves south over the area, flushing out the humid air brought in with the warm fronts."
Along with Northland, Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty will also see heavy rain today, and MetService warns this could affect driving conditions.
NZTA Northland system Manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult says motorists should expect the unexpected and drive with care.
"Avoid unnecessary travel and take care," she advises.
"With the ground still saturated from the floods last month, heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
"Drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips and fallen trees or branches."
High-sided vehicles and motorcycles should take particular care in strong winds.
"We want to see everyone get home safely. Stay safe and stay alert."
