Former cyclone Fili is expected to make landfall in Aotearoa today with heavy rain and severe gale warnings for much of the North Island.
People in already flood-damaged regions such as Tairāwhiti and Hawkes Bay are on alert.
Further north in Bay of Plenty, rivers and stormwater drains are being check for blockages ahead of the bad weather.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group representative Lisa Glass spoke to Corin Dann.