Tairāwhiti Civil Defence has declared a state of emergency for the region
It says people in low lying areas shouldn't wait for official instruction and should leave if they feel unsafe.
On the outskirts of Gisborne, Te karaka residents are being urged to evacuate before it get too dark, and the river gets too high.
The rain warning in Tairawhiti has been raised to red. Earlier this afternoon, Gisborne Council issued a warning that the Waipaoa river was heading toward seven and half metres high, with more rain on the way.
The small settlement was hit hard in Cyclone Gabrielle.
Gisborne district mayor, Rehette Stoltz, spoke to Lisa Owen.
