Multiple highways across the country are closed - as the wild weather continues to rage

MetService has issued heavy rain and wind warnings for lower parts of the North Island up to Hawke's Bay, and most of the South Island.

Thousands of homes remain without power - and emergency crews are battling fires in Kaikoura and Central Hawke's Bay's Porangahau.

This morning, a man died after being hit by a fallen branch in Wellington's Mount Victoria.

NZTA says State Highway 1 at Waipapa Bay, and State Highway 2 through Masterton are still blocked.

State Highway 7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction will remain closed overnight due to erosion and flooding.