Residents in low lying areas of Tairawhiti have been urged to evacuate as the rain intensifies.
People in Hikuwai Tolaga Bay and Te Arai Manutuke as well as Onepoto residents at Wharekahika or Hicks Bay have all been advised to move out. A state of emergency is in place, and a red weather warning has been issued.
RNZ reporter Kate Green, is there.
