Strong easterly winds reaching 85km/h brought down a sign onto the Red Cross store at Cameron Road and 4th Avenue overnight.

Tauranga firefighters were called to the downed pole about 6.34am but it was too heavy for firefighters to remove, says senior station officer Phil Price.

Winds downed a sign outside the Red Cross store on Cameron Road.

The area was taped off and firefighters will return to the sign later today.

It was the only weather-related call during another night of gusting easterlies hammering the top of the North Island.

Port of Tauranga operations Manager Phil Julian says the peak gust at crane three overnight was 45 knots (83km/h) with similar levels recorded at A-Beacon.

The wind driven swells made pilot transfers to the port too dangerous leaving two ships, the Spirit of Endurance and the Maroudio, outside the entrance overnight, says Phil. There was no point in bringing the ships into port in dangerous conditions as cranes do not work in the high wind speeds experienced last night.

Today, shortly before 8am, Omokoroa volunteer firefighters were called to power lines arcing at the intersection of Omokoroa Road and State Highway 2.

The Metservice's strong wind warning remains in force today for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, including Great Barrier Island, while a heavy rain warning remains in force for Northland.

Metservice warns of possible severe easterly gales over eastern Waikato near the Kaimai Ranges through to early Thursday morning.

Also, moderate to heavy rain is likely over northern parts of Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula, including Great Barrier Island through until Thursday morning before easing.

Rainfall amounts look unlikely to reach warning criteria in these areas, but a Watch will be maintained for the time being.

A slow moving low to the northwest of Cape Reinga is expected gradually weaken overnight Wednesday, with the rain and severe easterly gales over northern New Zealand gradually easing.