Tai Rāwhiti is being battered by a relentless band of rain with the highest possible red weather warning covering the region until Sunday.
Access to the wider region is restricted with State Highway 35 closed between Okitu and Ruatoria, as well as State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa.
Pimia Wehi is the community response lead at Te Karaka and spoke to Corin Dann.
