At least 1500 homes in Canterbury are without power, after a stormy night for the region.
And a MetService red warning, issued for only the most severe weather events, still applies as a front moves north.
Orion Energy says power is out to 1075 Mid Canterbury properties, mostly around Kimberley, Annat and Sheffield.
Gusts of up to 120km/h were recorded in the Canterbury High Country overnight.
Strong wind and heavy rain warnings are in place for most of the South Island, as well as Wellington and the Wairarapa.
