A rain band currently over central New Zealand is expected to move south and become slow moving over Canterbury and Otago Sunday evening, directing rain and southeasterly winds onto the area.

Heavy rain in the Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne has eased. For Canterbury and eastern Otago, persistent rain is expected through to Monday afternoon. Over 100mm may fall in some locations in Canterbury on top of what is already a very sodden situation due to repeated recent rain events.

Members of the public are advised that streams and rivers may rise rapidly and there may be areas of local flooding and slips.