Heavy rain and strong winds are battering many parts of the country

Watches and warnings are in effect for much of the upper and central North Island, and upper and central South Island, including Nelson and Tasman.

Power is out to thousands of properties in Northland and hundreds of properties in the central North Island.

The Herald's Katie Oliver residents in affected ares are being urged to treat downed powerlines as live.

She says Waikato Regional Council is urging motorists and people in the area to be cautious due to high risk of surface flooding.