Reports of homes flooding, and farm animals needing rescue following heavy rain in Northland

Metservice says more than 100-millimetres of rain has fallen in some places overnight, and an orange heavy rain warning's in place in Eastern and Central northland.

One Helena Bay resident told our newsroom it's the worst flooding in 60 years, and his cattle had got out due to fences coming down.

Another says they were up at 5.30am moving cars and valuables to higher ground.

A Whangarei Heads resident says the flooding in Parua ay was worse this morning than when Cyclone Gabrielle hit.

Whangaruru North Residents and Ratepayers Association says Tuuparehuia Marae has now opened for those needing shelter.