For the North Island, coastal areas from Raglan to southern Wairarapa are most at risk, while for the South Island the risk of coastal inundation is greatest for areas from Buller and North Canterbury northwards, MetService said. Last night heavy rain warnings were in place for Nelson, Buller, Marlborough (including Kaikoura Coast), Wellington, Westland, the Canterbury Plains and the Canterbury high country. Strong wind warnings were in place for Taranaki, Taihape, Whanganui, Nelson and Buller, Marlborough, Westland and Canterbury. Yesterday, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter, Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi were updated on the progress of Gita at MetService headquarters in Wellington. Marlborough District Council communications manager Glyn Walters said the council was concerned for trampers and campers relying on tents.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 19, 2018 15:56 UTC