Here are the latest weather updates, region by region as Cyclone Cook bears down.

The homes are between Whangamata and Tairua, areas among the most affected by record-breaking rains.

The power-packed storm meteorologists have dubbed the "Tasman Tempest" dumped more rain on Auckland than typically falls for the whole of March.

A helicopter pilot organised an urgent flight for his bride to reach their wedding after she was stranded by flooding.

The skies are beginning to clear after last night's storm, but the respite may be short-lived, with thunderstorms and more heavy rain forecast for later today.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga met with locals in Whiritoa, as they band together after being hit with 260mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga met with locals in Whiritoa, as they band together after being hit with 260mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Residents of coastal town, Whiritoa, had a lucky escape after 260mm of rain fell yesterday and created havoc in the Coromandel Peninsula. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Residents of coastal town, Whiritoa, had a lucky escape after 260mm of rain fell and created havoc in the Coromandel Peninsula. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Thames & Coromandel District Mayor Sandra Goudie discusses the state of the region after wild weather hit overnight. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A large slip has closed State Highway 25 between Waihi and Whiritoa. It is one of a sting of closures around the region following heavy rain overnight. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Knee-deep floodwater in world champion surfer's Whangamata store.

Police are cracking down on freedom campers who are parking their caravans at holiday homes while the owners are out of town.

More than 80 Kiwi kids were abducted or kidnapped in the first nine months of 2016.

Police are "generally pleased" with behaviour at New Year's Eve celebrations across the country and say there were no significant issues or incidents reported.

The man drowned while kayaking to Donut Island off Whangamata.

A man came close to drowning before being rescued by members of the public in what has been a dramatic day at the country's beaches.

Emergency services confirm an elderly man who fell into a causeway has died.

A police patrol car that was stolen during a traffic stop in Whangamata last night has been recovered.

New signage warning of the strong currents at Whangamata Harbour are being erected following the tragic death of 15-year-old paddleboarder Amie Russell.

Police say the missing woman was located at around 8am this morning.

A Whangamata man was 'pottering around in the shed' when a family member discovered that he had won $4 million.

The suspicious death of an elderly man in a Whangamata home has startled neighbours - including cricketer Daniel Vettori's parents who live next door.

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man was found dead in Whangamata overnight.

A 15-year-old girl has drowned after her paddleboard was swept under a boat by a strong current and wind at Whangamata this afternoon.

Matt Boggs' carefully laid plan to propose to his girlfriend at one of her favourite places in Whangamata nearly sank when his old wave ski started taking on water.

Danielle Wright discovers clubs happy to welcome you in out of the cold.

Donna McIntyre escapes the city on a campervan holiday.

A fully equipped motorhome has replaced a canvas tent in Sarah Lawrence's holiday affections