Buller hunkers down as storm Gita hits West Coast

The West Coast of the South Island is expected to once again be walloped by heavy rain, wild winds and surging tides. More than 200mm of rain is expected along with 150km/h winds, and swells of more than six metres. The region has not called a state of emergency yet, but it has shut the Port of Westport and all schools in the Buller and Grey district are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mayor of Buller is Garry Howard. He describes the morning scene.