Flooding in Northland has isolated communities, led to a deluge of calls to emergency services, and prompted warnings that those affected should move to higher ground.
Whangārei District Council said drivers should not travel in or out of Ngunguru, Helena Bay, Ōakura, Punaruku, or Whangaruru.
Just before 9am on Sunday, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said it was dealing with multiple incidents throughout Northland.
It was making plans to access properties, and was only able to respond to immediate life-threatening situations.
People affected by the flooding should to go to higher ground and be cautious to stay safe, but call 111 immediately if they were in life-threatening danger, Fenz said.
There had been a report of a landslide in the township of Ōakura, but no people or cars had been trapped underneath.
A bridge had also been washed out, and multiple houses flooded near Whangaruru Harbour.
MetService forecasters issued a heavy rain warning for Northland through to midday Sunday, with a warning the rain was expected to continue to accumulate after flooding overnight.
Nearly 150 millimetres of rain was recorded at Ngunguru between midnight and 5:30am Sunday.
Whangārei District Council said heavy rain and surface flooding had closed roads, isolating some communities.
“Drive with great care expecting slippery roads and possible hazards like fallen trees or flooding,” they said on Facebook.
“Expect river and stream levels to be much higher than usual, and to be flowing with a lot more force. Levels may also continue to rise rapidly.”
Hundreds in Northland had woken up without power on Sunday morning.
Northpower said there were power outages for Helena Bay, Ōakura, Punaruku, and the Whangaruru Peninsula, and about 750 households appeared to be affected.
