Severe weather wreaks havoc across North Island, Eden Park to host 2027 State of Origin match, and NZ's lowest natural hazard risk city according to scientists.
Weather: Fallen trees, widespread flooding, vehicles cut off by mudslide
A powerful low-pressure system has lashed parts of the country overnight, causing evacuations, damage and flooding across parts of the North Island.
States of Emergency were in place for the Manawatū Whanganui region, as well as the Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts, while thousands around the country were left without power.
MetService has warnings in place for heavy rain and severe gales for the eastern, central and southern North Island, Marlborough, North Canterbury and Chatham Islands.
Eden Park to host 2027 State of Origin match
New Zealand will host its first State of Origin match next year at Eden Park, the Government confirmed this morning.
The widely-anticipated news was announced by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon alongside Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. It's expected to draw thousands of international visitors and deliver a significant economic boost for Auckland.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston called the announcement a "milestone moment for rugby league in New Zealand".
Review launched as more raw sewage discharges at Moa Point
An independent review has been ordered into the stricken Moa Point Wastewater Plant on Wellington's south coast as more untreated sewage discharged close to shore overnight.
Wellington City Council said the latest discharge occurred during a "rough night" of heavy rain and wind as a deep low from the east of the North Island brought heavy rain and severe gales to large parts of the country.
"Unfortunately, untreated sewage has been discharged overnight via the short outfall at Moa Point due to the heavy rain – so the advice about staying away from beaches still applies," a spokesperson said.
Watch: Flooded streets and homes as storm lashes Lower Hutt
One resident said it was the worst flooding his street had experienced in more than 20 years.
ONE SAFE CITY
One city has been identified by scientists as the lowest natural hazard risk major centre in New Zealand as insurance companies pull back from some communities deemed too risky to cover.
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