Ex-cyclone Fehi is sweeping across the country today bringing wild weather to most parts.
Several areas have now declared states of emergency including Dunedin and Buller district on the West Coast.
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Major evacuations are underway at Mapua, Richmond, Nelson, Waitara and Westport due to flooding.
Winds reaching 100km/h have lifted roofs between Hokitika, Greymouth, Cobden, Rununga and Dobson.