Soldiers are patrolling the streets and all residents are begin asked to stay home if possible.
Cordons are in place at Tasman and Nile Streets where houses have been evacuated while Rocks Rd and Cleveland Terrace are closed due to slips.
State Highway 6 is closed between Hira and Havelock due to flooding.
Waka Kotahi system manager for the Top of the South Island Andrew James spoke to Susie Ferguson.
