Heavy rain is forecast for much of New Zealand this weekend as the front that whipped up high winds at Mt Hutt ski field in Canterbury moves slowly elsewhere.
A severe weather watch has been issued for Wellington, Taranaki and Northland on Friday night, with rain and strong winds for the North Island likely.
MetService says the heaviest rain is predicted for the Bay of Plenty where the front may stall on Saturday.
It is forecasting up to 280 millimetres of rain in the ranges and up to 130 millimetres in coastal areas from 6pm on Friday until 3am on Sunday.
The Bay of Plenty regional council is monitoring river levels and preparing to respond should any flooding occur.
The council says landowners with stock on low paddocks near rivers and streams are advised to move them to higher ground before nightfall on Friday.
It is advising people in low-lying areas near rivers or streams to remain vigilant. Coastal areas are also under threat from swells and high spring tides expected over the coming days.
