Forecasters are predicting "widespread impacts" as Cyclone Fili tracks towards New Zealand - with heavy rain and wind warnings issued for many North Island centres, including Auckland.
"Cyclone Fili is approaching the North Island from the subtopics on Tuesday, tracking southeastwards close to, or across, eastern parts of the North Island during Tuesday and Wednesday," the Met Service said on Monday night.
"Fili is expected to bring widespread impacts to the North Island. Heavy rain and severe gales will accompany the system, and very large waves are also likely to affect northeast and eastern coasts."
The Met Service said this would be a "significant weather event", as forecasters continued to monitor the cyclone's likely path.
It issued a heavy rain watch for Auckland from 7pm Tuesday to 9am Wednesday and a strong wind warning for Auckland and Coromandel from 7pm Tuesday to 3pm Wednesday.
Heavy rain warnings are also in place on Tuesday evening for Northland, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay.
Civil Defence teams across the North Island are preparing for what Cyclone Fili may unleash.
The cyclone that formed near New Caledonia six days ago is approaching New Zealand.
Recent monitoring from WeatherWatch found the cyclone's path moved further east, meaning severe weather risks may be reduced in some western areas.
Heavy rain warnings are also in place for Fiordland and Westland.
Just two weeks ago the Tairāwhiti Gisborne region was battered with heavy rain and flooding and tomorrow's weather could see up to 300mm of rainfall in the area over a 27-hour period from 6pm.
MetService said heavy rain could cause streams flooding and slips, and rivers to rise rapidly.
Easterly gales could be severe at times over Gisborne from 7pm Tuesday to 10pm on Wednesday, with gusts forecast to reach 120km/h.
Auckland and Coromandel could be battling 120km/h southeast gales and 130km/h southwest gales while gusts could reach 140km/h out around Great Barrier Island.
Hawke's Bay residents to prepare
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) is warning communities to prepare for the severe weather the cyclone may bring to the region.
Currently there is a Heavy Rain Warning and Strong Wind Watch in place for Hawke's Bay, through to 9pm on Wednesday.
Group Controller Ian Macdonald said that Hawke's Bay CDEM will activate the Group Emergency Co-ordination Centre on Tuesday morning.
"We've had a day of planning, national briefings and regional co-ordination meetings and we've started contacting our community champions.
"We are monitoring the regional situation, activating our emergency co-ordination centre tomorrow morning and preparing to co-ordinate an effective and efficient emergency response if required."
Macdonald said councils have activated their incident management teams and started preparing infrastructure and staff for possible impacts.
Residents may experience power outages, road and transportation damage, and coastal inundation from swells in some areas.
"We're urging people in the region, particularly in our rural communities, to be prepared and to have a plan in place to respond to heavy rain and wind.
"Ensure you have enough food, fuel and supplies for at least three days and please reach out to your neighbours and those who were impacted during the last rain event to ensure they are prepared as well."
Counties Energy crews on standby
Meanwhile, Counties Energy has storm response teams on standby south of Aucland.
Counties Energy GM Operations Dale Carline said the company was preparing for a large-scale event and urged residents to do the same.
"Please start your storm preparations now to lessen the impact on the electricity network and on your loved ones.
"Take some simple steps now such as securing outdoor furniture and trampolines, and anything else that can become a projectile in high winds. Store some water if you rely on a pump, check your barbecue gas bottle and torches and charge up your smartphones and tablets."
Carline said residents should treat all lines as live, stay well clear and report any downed or damaged lines or electrical equipment immediately on 0800 100 202 or via 111.
In the event of large-scale power outages Counties Energy crew will move around the region isolating power to any damaged or downed lines and electrical equipment before moving to restore the network.