A State of Emergency has been declared on the South Island's West Coast as heavy rain and possible flooding threatens the region.
The MetService upgraded its weather warning for the area to red, with up to 550mm of rain to fall from today until Thursday night.
Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities
It could be the regions third major flood in 18 months.
Grey District mayor Tania Gibson joins us for the latest
A Hokitika resident's house has been flooded out. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young