The third flood in a month for the Far North is over, as the storm which battered the region over the weekend makes its way down the country.
Civil defence spokesperson Graeme McDonald said new flood banks have coped well in the conditions, and river levels are lowering.
Flooding at Hukerenui, Northland, in July. Photo: Northland Regional Council
He said the worst-affected areas should be able to go about business as usual today.
Part of State Highway 10, north of Kaeo, which was closed by flooding yesterday, has re-opened.
Heavy rain fell in eastern parts of Northland and Coromandel overnight, after the Far North was hit by flooding for the third time in a month.
A MetService spokesperson said while the rain had eased in Northland's eastern hills, another 30mm could fall this morning in Coromandel, on top of the 72mm overnight.
The rain is expected to clear this afternoon in Northland but a heavy rain watch is in place for northern parts of Auckland this morning and for Gisborne through to midday.
The weather system responsible for the heavy rain is lying to the east of Northland and will move slowly southwards to north of East Cape tonight.
Stock moved to hills
Les Jackson, who farms near Kaeo, said all the farms on the river flats were virtually cut off, and they were unable to get to town because Omaunu Road was under water.
He said it was the third time the region had been flooded in just one month.
"We've just got to accept what's coming. The stock's on the hills, we are feeding out hay and baleage to keep them fed on paddocks that have got very little grass on them, until the flats are accessible again."
Another farmer, Margaret Hayes, said she had lost some stock in a flash flood just last week, and the constant heavy downpour was concerning.
Mr McDonald said Civil Defence was closely monitoring Kaeo, Waitangi and the Bay of Islands.
He said there had so far been no reports of significant damage as a result of the weather.
