Tens of thousands are without power, the West Coast is cut off by floods, many roads are closed and wind has ripped trees from the ground.
Strong wind and heavy rain warnings are in place for much of the South Island and the lower North Island today.
MetService has also issued a rare red level strong wind warning for Canterbury, Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton.
A total fire and fireworks ban is in place for Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and Hawke's Bay.
The forecast has forced some of those involved in the mega-strike to change some of their plans.
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