Heavy rain batters northern Aotearoa as landslides force road closures, evacuations

Residents across the upper North Island are being urged to stay alert as heavy rain continues to hit already soaked areas with warnings of flooding, slips, and dangerous roads.

Orange heavy rain warnings remain in force for parts of Northland and Auckland where forecasters say streams and rivers could rise quickly.

In some areas, up to 150mm of rain is expected with thunderstorms also possible.

The impact is already being felt north of Auckland where a large landslide has shut part of Hibiscus Coast Highway at Waiwera.

Police say the slip was reported just after 6.30am on Friday near Weranui Road.

“No injuries have been reported however at this stage, it appears about six properties have been impacted,” Acting Inspector Eugene Pickett said in a statement.

Eighteen homes were evacuated as a precaution, with residents forced out while crews assessed the damage.

The road remains closed, and drivers are being told to avoid the area and allow extra time for travel.

Flooding and slips across Northland and Coromandel leave roads closed and communities on alert as emergency crews respond under challenging conditions. Photo/RNZ/Nick Monro

The disruption is spreading across the region. Slips have also been reported in Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula where Port Jackson Road is closed due to fallen debris and rising waters, making it unsafe for crews to respond.

Authorities warn conditions could worsen as the rain continues through the day.

“Motorists are urged to avoid the area or take alternative routes and allow additional time to travel,” Pickett said

The latest weather comes after a week of wild conditions including flash flooding in Wellington that left some families with severe damage to their homes.

There is some relief in sight. Forecasters say calmer weather is expected over the Anzac weekend with mostly dry conditions for dawn services although temperatures will be cold in inland areas.

But Friday’s conditions remain the immediate concern especially with added pressure on emergency services.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has warned the public to take extra care during planned strike action between midday and 1pm.

“I want to reassure the public that all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the strike periods,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said in a statement.

“However, our response times will be delayed in impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location. So, we are asking the public to remain extra careful.

“Our advice remains the same. If there is a fire, evacuate early, get out, stay out, then call 111.”

During the one-hour strike, crews will focus on urgent emergencies, meaning some lower-priority callouts may not be attended.

For communities already dealing with heavy rain and unstable ground, officials say caution is key: stay off flooded roads, avoid slip-prone areas, and be ready to move if conditions change.