The heavy rain that hit the Tairāwhiti region over the past two days is moving south towards Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa.
There are no reports of the rain causing any major problems or damage at this stage.
About 20 local roads are shut in central Hawke's Bay, as well as dozens across Wairoa and north of Gisborne.
State Highway 35 remains closed between Tolaga Bay and Potaka due to slips and other hazards, but Gisborne is no longer cut off.
Reporter Andrew McRae is at the Waipaoa river south of Gisborne.
