A rainfall warning is in place for the hills and ranges of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. Significant rainfalls are also possible in other areas as detailed below.

For the Coromandel Peninsula and western Bay of Plenty, including the Kaimai Range, localised heavy showers overnight Friday may turn to more widespread rain during Saturday, with heavy falls.

For Marlborough and the Kaikoura ranges, further moderate rain is expected overnight Friday and Saturday morning, with some locally heavy falls.

The hills and ranges of Wairarapa, including the Tararua District, also the ranges of Nelson, although further rain is still likely through to Saturday, no widespread heavy falls are expected.

It is unlikely rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria in these areas. However, the prolonged nature of this rain event and the saturated conditions in these areas may lead to rising streams and rivers and possible surface flooding and slips.

Forecasters will continue to monitor the situation and advise people in these areas to remain up to date with the latest forecasts.