A strong wind watch is in place for the upper South Island tonight, although much of the island will escape the severe weather forecast to batter the North Island. "While it has its things going on, it's definitely much better than than the North Island," she said. Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel are currently under a strong wind watch, as will be the central North Island from 10am. A warning of severe gales has been issued for Manawatu, Horowhenua and Kapiti coast from 4pm, while the Tararua district and Wairarapa will be under a heavy rain watch from 6pm. Northland and Whanganui are the places to be in the North Island today for the best weather.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 28, 2025 19:02 UTC