Parts of the South Island are welcoming the New Year with heavy rain warnings and severe thunderstorm watches. On Thursday, the ranges of Tasman District, west of Takaka, and Buller were under orange heavy rain warnings. MetService said streams and rivers could rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions possible. Meanwhile, much of the lower half of the South Island was under a severe thunderstorm watch from 2pm until 9pm. Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2025 22:35 UTC