Six rescued from vehicles trapped in Marlborough floodwaters

Six people were rescued from vehicles that became trapped in floodwaters in Marlborough overnight.

It came after wild weather caused flooding and power outages in the South Island yesterday.

Emergency services were called to a group of vehicles stuck in floodwaters on State Highway 6 near Canvastown at around 8.35pm.

Crews from police, Fire and Emergency NZ, the New Zealand Defence Force, and Surf Lifesaving were deployed to the scene. Six people were retrieved from the vehicles.

SH6 between Pelorus and Havelock was closed and remains closed while floodwater levels remained high.

"Motorists are asked to avoid the area, and delay travel if possible," police said.

This morning, the majority of weather warnings in place for parts of the country have been lifted.

Meanwhile, Wellington residents were urged not to swim, surf or kayak along the region's south coast after heavy rain caused untreated wastewater to be discharged from the Moa Point wastewater plant's short outfall pipe.

Hundreds of properties lost power across the top of the South Island yesterday, while flooding was reported on the West Coast and in Nelson and Marlborough. Local roads were closed, and several sections of state highways were placed under warning due to hazardous conditions.

An active front moved across the North Island overnight and this morning, while a deep low moved across the central South Island.

While the majority of warnings were lifted, a strong wind watch was in place for Wairarapa and the Tararua District.

A heavy swell warning was in place for the Kapiti-Porirua Coast, stretching from Kapiti Island to Cape Terawhiti.

In Wellington, heavy rainfall in the catchment area meant untreated wastewater was being discharged from the short outfall pipe at the Moa Point wastewater plant into Tarakena Bay.

Wellington Water said it was likely to be travelling around the coastline.

"Signs are in place along the coastline to alert water users of areas which may be impacted by this event," the organisation said.

"Water quality samples will be collected from coastal locations once improved weather conditions allow."

The public was initally asked to stay away from the area.

"Do not swim, surf or kayak along Wellington’s south coast until further notice.

"Do not gather shellfish or kaimoana from the south coast area from Ōwhiro Bay to Breaker Bay."

In an update Saturday morning, Wellington Water confirmed the discharge to the short outfall at Tarakena Bay had ceased.

Strong Wind Watch

Wairarapa and Tararua District – 17 hours from 8pm Friday 8 May to 1pm Saturday 9 May.

Heavy Swell Warning

Kapiti–Porirua Coast (Kapiti Island to Cape Terawhiti) – 9 hours from midnight Friday 8 May to 9am Saturday 9 May.