The Emergency Management Minister is praising South Islanders working through the long weekend as recovery from wild weather continues

Southland, Clutha and Kaikoura remain under a state of emergency - and boil-water notices are still in place for Greymouth and Clutha.

The Government's contributing 150 thousand dollars to Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities in Clutha and Southland.

Around 10-thousand households are still without power.

Mark Mitchell says crews have repaired 130 cellphone towers in the regions- with 22 still to be restored.

He says PowerNet is also doing a great job, with an additional 70 technicians working to get power back online.

Meanwhile, a fresh wave of Orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings has been issued for most of the country today and tomorrow.

Heavy snow's also expected on several South Island roads.