Two areas in the wider Hawke's Bay area are now under states of emergency with river levels rising rapidly and coastal iundation in some areas.
Evacuations have also taken place in Gisborne, with heavy rain and high swells causing rivers to rise rapidly.
In Hawke's Bay, evacuations have been taking place in Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton since about 1:30am - with residents being moved to the local school. In Gisborne, residents in Te Karaka are evacuating after the Waipaoa River reached dangerous levels.
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Emergency services are also going door to door on the riverside of Fergusson Dr in Te Hapara and Inner Kaiti.
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is urging residents in these areas to either relocate with whānau or to the welfare centre in Kaiti.
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"It's not over yet whānau," the agency said on Wednesday.
"The rain... is set to continue to fall at around 10mm-20mm/hour through until 0900hrs (9am) tomorrow morning.
"We're seeing lots of reports of 'things' being blown... by the wind - from trampolines to fences and even street lights."
Orange heavy rain warnings and strong wind warnings remain in place for Gisborne and Hawke's Bay but are expected to ease by Wednesday night.
Newshub.
