Heavy rain is expected overnight and on Sunday in Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
MetService says up to 200 millimetres of rain could fall in the ranges, and up to 120mm elsewhere.
People in these areas are advised to watch out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, slips and flooding.
MetService says severe gales will buffet central New Zealand from Taupo through to Marlborough on Sunday.
Winds through these regions may gust up to 120 kilometres per hour, which can damage trees and powerlines and lift unsecured roofs.
