Severe gale and heavy rain warnings are in place for many parts of New Zealand, with a "high risk" of thunderstorms in some areas.
MetService issued a weather watch on Sunday, warning an active front, preceded by a strong and moist northerly flow, is expected to move across New Zealand from the west on Sunday and Monday morning.
This will be followed by an unsettled west to northwest flow.
"This front is expected to deliver a period heavy rain and severe gale northerlies to many parts of New Zealand, and warnings and watches remain in force," it said.
Heavy rain warnings are in place for Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, where heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.