Flooding, slips, downed trees and powerlines are causing major problems from Northland to Hawke's Bay with roads closed in all affected regions.
Ten regions are now under a state of emergency - the mayors of Napier City and Hastings District were the latest to declare one just after half past four this morning.
All low-lying residents in Esk Valley are told to evacuate immediately, as the Esk River continues to rise.
Fire and and Emergency have lost radio and cellular contact with Gisborne.
Corin Dann spoke to reporter Kate Green via satelite phone.
