Floods in Bay of Islands town as heavy rain crosses country

Three houses have been evacuated at Paihia in the Far North, after a burst water main caused flooding.

Emergency services were called to Selwyn Road and Bayview Road during the night after reports of mud and water in some properties.

Elsewhere in the country, MetService said the rainband that brought heavy rain to Westland overnight is now over the Nelson region and moving eastwards.

Otago is experiencing a cold southerly, and snow is also expected at low levels throughout the South Island.

A large landslip blocked the Lower Buller Gorge Road, State Highway 6, at Charleston on the West Coast.

Inspector John Doherty, of the police communications centre, said the road was completely blocked and contractors advised it would closed for the rest of today and overnight. The slip happened about 11.30am.

There were fears the heavy rain in Paihia could have damaged a damn.

Chief Fire Officer Shane Schrafft said these turned out to be wrong, but houses were evacuated as a precaution.

He said it appeared the burst water main has caused flooding and a build up of silt.

The people who have been evacuated are now at the town's fire station, waiting for temporary accommodation.

- NEWSTALK ZB, HERALD ONLINE STAFF