A state of emergency was declared in the Bay of Plenty last night and hundreds of evacuations were made in Ōpōtiki, West End Ōhope, and Ōhiwa harbour,.
Further north Waihi Beach, Athernree and Maketu residents were warned there may be a need to evacuate.
Storm surges are the biggest worry for the region but wind and rain is still causing strife.
Bay of Plenty Public Information manager Lisa Glass spoke to Corin Dann.
