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Heavy weather has been predicted to hit the country yet again this weekend.
The Radio Network said an area of low pressure large enough to engulf the entire Australian continent is developing south of New Zealand and is set to bring some rough weather to both islands over the next few days and across the weekend.
Weather analyst Philip Duncan said the storm would bring heavy rain, severe gales, snow and wind-chill.
He warned farmers around Otago and Canterbury that snow falling to sea level and wind chills could cause severe stress for new born animals.
Snow has also been forecast for the Desert Rd in the central North Island on Sunday and into early next week.
Mr Duncan said it could also fall to low levels around the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges and potentially as far north as the Gisborne Ranges.
The Department of Conservation has warned climbers to take care in the Tararua Ranges amid fears extra snow could increase the risk of avalanches in the area.
In Marlborough, the Air Force has been called in to rescue stock trapped in snow more than a metre deep.
Sheep and cattle have been trapped at the head of the Awatere Valley and for the past few weeks and farmers have been feeding them via helicopter drops.
However, the Air Force's Number 3 Squadron has been training at Dip Flat, close to the area and has said it will rescue the animals as a further training exercise.
MetService's Severe Weather Outlook contains heavy rain forecasts for western and northern parts of New Zealand and severe gales for eastern parts of the North Island.
- NEWSTALK ZB
