The Waimea River near Brightwater in Nelson in flood yesterday. Photo: RNZ/Mark Papalii
Nelson Tasman Civil Defence says houses in Motueka flooded last night and the main worry now is the Motueka River.
Civil Defence will fly over a number of areas at the top of the south this morning to assess the damage and to identify areas in need, focusing on the Motueka Valley.
MetService is investigating reports of a tornado after more than dozen homes in Waitara, north of New Plymouth, were damaged when strong winds ripped through shortly after midnight.
Fire and Emergency says there were no injuries, but the fierce winds blew out a sunroom, lifted roofs, and downed fences and solar panels.
As it happened: Take a look back at RNZ's live blog from Saturday.
