Weather

Southland and Clutha remain under a local state of emergency and thousands of properties are still without power. Audio

A local farmer believes it's a miracle no one was hurt, but he worries about injuries in the clean-up. Audio

A powerful Tasman Sea storm is continuing to lash much of the country, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow.

Rural Support Trust says fatigue is setting in for storm-hit farmers still relying on generators, as efforts shift from animal welfare to human well-being.

Winds of up to 220km and up to 101cm of rain are expected in some parts of the Caribbean. "Many of these communities will not survive the flooding," a local government minister says.

The pub has a lounge with a large fire, ready to welcome those doing it tough.

Acting controller Lucy Hicks also warned people to take care while cleaning up.

Forecasters issue widespread warnings for heavy rain, gales and snow across much of the country on Monday.

Tim Mackay says even lifelong residents were stunned by the intensity of Thursday's weather, which tore through Southland and Clutha.

RNZ spoke to some of those affected by the latest wild weather in the South Island - here are their stories.

Wild weather has helped fan flames in many areas of the country and a ban on open-air fires will stay in place until Monday.

Watch: Tuatapere was without power, phone or electricity for about 35 hours, until Friday night. Audio

MetService warns of a "burst of severe weather" on the public holiday, disrupting travel plans across the country.

Extreme winds have wreaked havoc across the lower South Island, where some face a week without power.

Authorities say people should check whether their plans will be affected by road closures, power outages and water shortages before travelling around the southern parts of the country. Audio