New Zealand devastation

Gita rips up parts of New Zealand on its way out

The Christchurch City, Taranaki, Nelson Tasman, Grey and Selwyn councils still have a state of emergency in place to deal with widespread flooding and disruption.

Fire and Emergency said almost 500 people made emergency calls yesterday and through the night.

At least 5000 people in Golden Bay and Collingwood are cut off after heavy rain brought down slips, closing the road in three places on Takaka Hill and State Highway 1 into Kaikōura has been closed by slips.