The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for possible severe weather this weekend.
Heavy rain and gale force winds are forecast for the Bay of Plenty.
The Bay is expected to also bear the brunt of large coastal waves and storm surge.
Director John Hamilton said the ministry and the MetService were working together monitoring Tropical Cyclone Lusi as it moved from Vanuatu, past Fiji to New Zealand.
Computer models predict Lusi to arrive over northern New Zealand on Saturday or early Sunday, and then to track southwards over central New Zealand before moving out to sea east of the South Island on Monday.
Cyclone Lusi is expected to transition into a sub-tropical weather system as it approaches New Zealand, but it is still expected to be a dangerous storm. Severe weather is likely to affect many regions during this event, especially over the weekend from Northland down to Canterbury.
Before a storm:
• Develop a household emergency plan. Assemble and maintain your emergency survival items, as well as a portable getaway kit.
• Prepare your property by securing large heavy objects and any item which could become a deadly or damaging missile.
• Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
When a warning is issued and during a storm:
• Stay informed on weather updates. Listen to your local radio stations for advice for your community and situation.
• Put your household emergency plan into action and check your getaway kit.
• Secure, or move indoors, all items that could get blown about in strong winds.
• Close windows, external and internal doors. Pull curtains and drapes over unprotected glass areas.
• If the wind becomes destructive, stay away from doors and windows and shelter inside the house.
• Water supplies can be affected so store drinking water in containers and fill bathtubs and sinks.
• Power cuts are possible in severe weather. Unplug small appliances which may be affected by electrical power surges, and if power is lost, unplug major appliances.
• Bring pets inside. Move stock to shelter. If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
Detailed advice is at www.getthru.govt.nz.