Orange weather warnings cover much of the South Island and some of the lower North Island, as gusty winds cause disruptions to flights and hamper firefighting in several other parts of the country.
The strong winds have moved up the country through Monday.
Evacuations were underway Monday evening in the central Otago town of Roxburgh, where a scrub fire that appeared to have started in trees was threatening homes. Firefighters were battling strong winds in the area, and power had been turned off to a surrounding area as a precaution.
Firefighters were also working in the wind at large scrub fires in Southland, and near Waiouru and the Desert Road in the Central Plateau.
By 7pm Monday, at least 20 flights had been cancelled or diverted, a Wellington Airport spokesperson said. They warned that number could rise, and said passengers travelling to or from the city should check directly with their airline for information about flights.
An RNZ reporter said his plane from Auckland tried to land in Wellington twice, before returning to Auckland.
Earlier, police said they were closing a central road in Wellington due to high wind gusts: A stretch of Oriental Parade and Evans Bay Parade was shut after reports of multiple people falling off bicycles and wing mirrors being blown off cars.
The road around that section of Wellington waterfront was closed from Carlton Gore Road in Oriental Bay to Maida Vale Road, at the intersection with Evans Bay Parade. But it was reopened by late Monday evening.
Fire and Emergency said crews had been called to five wind-related incidents in Wellington by late Monday afternoon, including material falling from buildings and downed power lines.
FENZ shift manager Becca Jennings said a piece of panelling had fallen off the ceiling of Jetts Fitness in Miramar, and glass had fallen onto the footpath and street from a balcony in Mount Victoria.
Crews in both areas were trying to keep the area safe, Becca said.
In the lower North Island, weather warnings and watches for strong winds were expected to be in place into Tuesday for Wellington, Wairarapa, Horowhenua and Kāpiti, and heavy rain was expected for the Tararua Ranges.
Weather warnings for South Islanders
Many parts of the South Island were being lashed by heavy rain and severe gales on Monday, as the active front moved up the country.
MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala said a wind gust of about 200km/h was recorded at Mount Hutt, Canterbury, about 8am on Monday.
He advised people in affected areas to keep an eye on the weather and road conditions.
“Those people who are planning to travel after the long weekend … should be vigilant when driving, especially in those areas where the weather won’t be so pleasant,” he said.
Up to 250mm, and 210mm of rain could fall in parts of Westland and Fiordland (respectively), and warnings up to 300mm could fall near some Westland peaks by early Tuesday morning, MetService said. Intense downfalls were possible in those areas, which could dump up to 35mm an hour.
Southland, Stewart Island, and Queenstown Lakes and could also see heavy rain.
The Grey and Buller districts could be in for up to 110mm of rain into Tuesday morning, which could peak at 25mm an hour, and in Canterbury Arthur’s Pass and other inland areas could be in for 160mm of rain, peaking up to 35mm an hour.
Severe gales were expected to last into Monday night in Otago; and into Tuesday morning for Canterbury and Marlborough. And MetService said damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures was possible, and advised caution when driving.
The Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said heavy rain would make roads slippery, meaning drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible.
“People are also urged to avoid driving through any floodwaters, especially where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions,” they said.
“NZTA contractors will be monitoring the state highway network and will respond to any slips or obstructions that need clearing.”