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 taken 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 evacuated after the Waipaoa River reached dangerous levels.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the Government will contribute an initial $300,000 to the councils of Hastings, Wairoa, and Gisborne. Each will receive $100,000.
Story continues after live blog.
"It's not over yet whānau," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said on Wednesday.
"The rain... is set to continue to fall at around 10mm-20mm/hour through until 0900hrs (9am) tomorrow morning.
"We're seeing lots of reports of 'things' being blown... by the wind - from trampolines to fences and even street lights."
An orange heavy rain warning remains in place for Hawke's Bay but eased in Gisborne on Wednesday afternoon.
Newshub.
