Photo: Kaelin Wade via RNZA bout of bad weather is about to sweep across the east of the North Island, ahead of New Year celebrations. Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne could get off to a damp start, with an orange heavy rain warning issued by MetService for 18 hours from 6am on Monday through to Tuesday. Meanwhile, an orange strong wind warning is in place for Manawatū and Horowhenua and the Kāpiti Coast from 5pm on Monday. As for Tuesday, MetService said there was high confidence "severe southeast gales will affect Taranaki, Manawatu, Kapiti, Wellington, the Marlborough Sounds and Golden Bay". There is low confidence that warning amounts of rain will accumulate in northwest Nelson and Buller."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 27, 2025 23:09 UTC