Wild weather has forced evacuations in the central North Island while multiple state highways are closed because of slips and flooding on Sunday morning.
Rangitikei District Council confirmed on Sunday morning some evacuations have taken place in Marton due to flooding and a welfare centre has been established.
"Our main concern at this stage is the Tutaenui stream and Turakina River. We have notified the Marae and Fire Chief at Turakina Beach," the council said.
"We have had to evacuate some people from their homes, including the Wellington Road, Marton flats. Some houses along the Tutaenui Stream have been evacuated."
The council said there has been a significant amount of rain overnight and urge people not to travel across the district unless they have to.
"Please stay home and keep off the roads," the council said.
Police are also urging motorists in the central North Island to delay travel if possible after weather-related incidents are affecting roads throughout the region.
Surface flooding has been reported in parts of Whanganui and Manawatū, which has closed State Highway 3 between Warrengate Road and Whanganui. State Highway 1 at Mangaweka has also been blocked by a slip.
"Motorists should expect significant delays," police said.
"If you must travel, please drive to the conditions and plan your route before you go with Waka Kotahi's Journey Planner tool: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner."
MetService said a low-pressure system is expected to move over the upper North Island on Monday evening and Tuesday.
It could bring heavy rain to some northern and eastern areas of the North Island.
MetService issued a watch for Bay of Plenty from Rotorua northwards from 2pm on Monday until 6am on Tuesday.
The forecaster said there is also a watch in place for Gisborne from midnight on Monday until the same time on Tuesday.
MetService said periods of heavy rain may approach warning criteria.
MetService's thunderstorm outlook warned there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms with this front, affecting mainly the seas offshore of Northland, the west of the North Island and just north of Kaitaia on Sunday evening.
MetService also warns of a low risk of thunderstorms over Northland and northwest Auckland on Sunday evening.
"These thunderstorms may bring localised heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 20mm per hour and strong wind gusts of 90km/h," MetService said.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency confirmed on Sunday morning the Auckland Harbour Bridge is open and there are no lane closures in place.
It comes after wild weather in Auckland on Saturday caused havoc across the city as strong gusts forced the Harbour Bridge to close multiple times and several power outages.
The wind also saw several flights at Auckland Airport delayed.
Sunday forecast
After a wild day of weather for many in the North Island, Sunday shapes as being a march calmer day.
Most places in the North Island will see a few showers, but they should clear throughout the day before becoming fine.
Auckland is expected to see occasional showers and strong westerlies in the morning, but these should ease in the afternoon and become fine.
Hamilton has similar weather to Auckland, with just a few showers and strong westerlies, which should ease in the morning.
Wellington will see rain easing to isolated showers this morning before clearing in the afternoon, with fine spells increasing.
After a chilly and wet start for Christchurch, it's expected to warm up to 12 degrees, with rain easing in the morning.
Dunedin is the pick of the big cities, with a fine and cloudy day and a high of 11 degrees.
