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Wind and heavy rain lashed East Cape over the weekend, leading to the evacuation of six people from Mangatuna village, a small settlement north of Tolaga Bay as swelling rivers threatened to flood.
The residents were moved out yesterday morning as the Uawa River rose from its usual 4m to 11m. They were allowed to return several hours later but were evacuated again yesterday afternoon because of uncertainty about the weather.
Roy Hutchings, manager of the Tolaga Bay Inn, said the community learned from Cyclone Bola in 1988, when three people died.
"We evacuate that part of the basin early," he said. "They normally go to family to wait until the water subsides."
Slips and flooding on State Highway 5 were widespread yesterday, closing the road for almost four hours, said Inspector Marty Parker of central police communications.
Flooding also closed SH2 between Dymock and Whatatutu Rds near Te Karaka, 32km northwest of Gisborne, and this would be reassessed this morning, he said.
Fifteen people trapped by the flooding on SH2 were airlifted to Gisborne by helicopter and about 40 cars were forced to turn back, Gisborne Civil Defence emergency management officer Richard Steele said.
Everyone at risk had been evacuated or at least notified of the situation, he said last night.
"We are hoping we don't get too much rain overnight. The rivers are receding but we are keeping a watch on it. What happens now all depends on the rainfall."
Meanwhile, a rural community of more than 30 people at Waipaoa Station, north of Te Karaka, was isolated last night as rising floodwaters and debris buckled a bridge on the Waipaoa River.
"They're a remote farming community used to looking after themselves, so they'll be coping," Mr Steele said.
"River levels have dropped after reaching a height of 8.5m, but we expect a lot more rain."
The bridge would be assessed tomorrow at the earliest, he said.
"I don't think we'll get in there earlier because there's too much damage on the road to where they are."
Weather Watch's head weather analyst Phillip Duncan said Auckland was sheltered from the worst of the weather by the Coromandel Peninsula.
"But the East Coast is in line for some more heavy rain on Monday and we are looking at some decent rainfalls for Northland," he said.
"Some areas should see some good rainfall figures, other areas will see more patchy shower activity. Thunderstorms are very likely across Northland.
"It's probably not a drought-breaker but I'm sure the rain will be very welcome," Mr Duncan said.
The forecast for the South Island today is sunny with some cloud.
Boaties face a challenging day at the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, as the low makes its way north.
MetService has issued a wind warning for the Hauraki Gulf and weather ambassador Bob McDavitt recommended a quick race into the harbour.
"It will be a challenging day for those taking part," he said.
"The Hauraki Gulf will have strong winds.
"You want to get into the harbour as quick as you can."
- Additional reporting by NZPA
