A horrific video has emerged showing the sheer force of the floodwaters that submerged farmland and destroyed bridges in the South Island.
In a video posted to social media platform TikTok, a flock of sheep can be seen trying to stay afloat while being swept away in the fast-flowing flood water.
The video's caption said the footage was taken in Rangiora, north of Christchurch.
It appears in the video that some of the sheep make it to land after being swept along in the floodwaters.