Christchurch has been placed under a state of emergency.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell made the announcement at a press conference in Canterbury this afternoon.
He travelled to the region after heavy rain triggered widespread flooding.
The press conference is being live streamed at the top of this story.
Torrential rain has also triggered a state of emergency in Canterbury’s Selwyn District, where the Selwyn River threatens to cut off access to communities.
Residents of Selwyn Huts have been told to self-evacuate due to rising floodwaters and ongoing slips.
Mitchell said the Selwyn Council and emergency teams responded quickly and made the decision to go into a state of emergency.
Christchurch had now followed suit.
Mitchell said the first responders were doing a fantastic job.
He had been on the ground since mid-afternoon and had been in contact with local staff since yesterday, he said.
“From a central government point of view, it’s important to be here.”
Mitchell said they were in a response phase, but had also began a recovery phase.
“MetService does a fantastic job at forecasting the weather, but not everything is 100%.”
He said there were issues local councils and central government needed to be across. “Cows are still being milked.”
Serious weather events were going to keep coming, but New Zealand was getting better at dealing with them, he said.
Selywn Council spokeswoman Sophie McInnes said there was one welfare centre and multiple community centres open for those in need.
A Selwyn Council member said 18 roads were currently closed for safety.
He said local farmers should call the council to help move their stock.
If residents were at risk, they should call 111.
MetService has issued a rare red wind warning for Wellington, with gusts of up to 140km/h expected to cause widespread damage, threaten lives, and severely disrupt transport and power across the capital.
The Selwyn District Council is advising people to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary and to conserve water, as key water supplies are under pressure.
Several roads, including fords and key rural routes, have been closed due to surface flooding.
Wellington’s red alert - the highest level issued by MetService - came into effect at 10am and will remain in place until 3am tomorrow.
MetService warned the gales would peak this afternoon, particularly around the south coast and hilltops, before gradually easing overnight.
“Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including to powerlines and roofs,” MetService said.
“Flying debris and falling trees pose a threat to life. Dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply are likely.”
Residents are being urged to stay indoors or find sturdy shelter away from trees, avoid travel, and prepare for possible power and communication outages.
Strong winds have already forced the cancellation of most flights in and out of Wellington Airport, with Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Sounds Air grounding all services until at least 6pm.
Ferry crossings on Cook Strait have also been cancelled, as swells reach up to seven metres.
Average wind speeds at the airport have reached 87km/h, making it the windiest day in over a decade for the capital.
The Hutt City Council has urged residents to remain indoors, with flooding closing Port Rd and causing delays throughout the region.
Wellington City councillor Ben McNulty is urging locals to report storm-related damage via the council’s FixIt app or by calling 04 499 4444.
MetService says the deep low-pressure system driving the wild weather will start to ease on Friday, with more settled conditions forecast for the weekend.
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