A complex low, lying to the west of Northland, was bringing associated fronts to many parts of the North Island. This was causing hard downpours and showers.
The hard rain was seen on the streets, specifically Tauranga.
Resident Erin McKenna was driving in Pāpāmoa yesterday when her vehicle struck heavy flooding on Dickson Rd.
She said she had seen small cars with their tyres almost fully submerged as water levels got to about half a metre in places.
And although the rain was causing problems for some, rural property owners were cheering.
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president Darryl Jensen said the rainfall had been "brilliant" and the semi-warm temperatures were going to be good for the season's growth rates.
He said there was a bit of surface water here and there but nonetheless, it was "well-received".
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty provincial president Darryl Jensen on his Paengaroa dairy farm back in drought conditions. Photo / File
"The dry spell has well and truly been broken here, now it's time for everything underground to start charging up."
He said he was feeling for those drought-affected farmers in other regions of the country and the Te Puke Young Farmers club was rallying this week to get hay bales sent to those areas.
A heavy rain watch had been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty north of Katikati from 11pm for 24 hours.
Periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected with rainfall amounts possibly reaching warning criteria.
MetService meteorologist Andrew James said the wet weather would carry on for the most of the weekend, however, the region could expect fine spells to roll in on Monday.
This would last until Wednesday as cloud increases, with possible showers late Wednesday night.
The region could expect a bit of rainfall come Thursday.
