A "number of families" in Gisborne's Mangapapa were evacuated this morning amid heavy rain and flooding.
"Heavy rain has caused drains to flood and creeks to rise to about 2 metres," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said about 5am.
"There is severe surface flooding for the whole of the Mangapapa."
Later, the organisation said 15 families chose to evacuate to friends and family.
Nicole Bremner reported from the cyclone-hit region. (Source: Breakfast)
Police were going door to door checking on people, and Fire and Emergency closed roads in and around the areas from Lytton High School to Winter Street, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence said earlier. The organisation said further "intense rain" was expected this morning.
Gisborne and the Wairoa District of Hawke's Bay were both under orange heavy rain warnings until early this afternoon.
Gisborne residents are encouraged to report flooding to the District Council at 0800 653 800.
If you have photos or video of flooding in Gisborne, please send it to news@tvnz.co.nz.
As at 6am, residents had reported flooding at Matokitoki Stream near Enterprise Pools, Franklin Street, Rua Street, Lytton Road to Aberdeen extension to Gladstone Road, Ormond Road off Valley Road, Ayton Street, Gordon Street, Winter Street and Justin Street.
Rehette Stoltz said there was 'massive rain' in the region overnight. (Source: Breakfast)
"It's been a rough morning," Tairāwhiti Civil Defence added about 9am.
"Please, if you see any blocked drains in and around your property, clear them if it is safe to do so.
"Contracting teams have been on the ground since first light assessing and clearing problem areas."
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