The Government is on standby to assist communities across Coromandel, Northland and Tairawhiti following extensive flooding overnight.

'I've spoken to the local Mayors and understand the most important message this morning is to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel so that emergency services can provide assistance to those most in need,” says Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare.

'Overnight several Civil Defence centres were open to help people who had to evacuate their homes due to flooding or couldn't get home due to road closures,” says Henare.

'Last night there were 45 calls received by the Far North District Council relating to roading, infrastructure and downed trees.

'In Tarawhiti, SH35 was closed between Te Puia and Tolaga Bay, some local roads are also closed, and the Hikuwai River is being monitored.

'As damage assessments take place this morning, I am considering options for travelling to the region to see where the Government can best support local communities during this time,” says Henare.

In the Coromandel State Highway 25A Kopu-Hikuai and SH25 Whangamata to Hikuai remains closed due to slips. SH25 Tairua to Hikuai is open.

SH25 Opoutere to Hikuai is closed due to a slip blocking both lanes. Contractors are working to clear this and the road is expected to be open to one lane later this morning.

'These slips are huge and will take time to clear so please plan alternate routes if travelling today,” says a Thames-Coromandel District Council spokesperson.

There are road slips in the Coromandel between Whangamata and Hikuai. Photo: Thames-Coromandel District Council.

"A huge thanks to the roading team on the ground for all their hard work," says Mayor Sandra Goudie. "There are road closures and stop/go traffic management in place across our district, so please drive with caution and be respectful of the contractors who as you can see are working hard to clear the roads as soon as possible."

Coromandel Town residents have been urged by the Thames-Coromandel District Council to conserve water.

'This week's storm has put pressure back on our water treatment plant in Coromandel Town,” says councils' says Operations Group Manager Bruce Hinson.

'While the water is safe to drink, and there is no boil water notice currently in place, we are asking residents and visitors to conserve water where possible.

"We recovered from the last storm event, and the plant was functioning well, but when the bad weather hit us again this week, our ability to continue to produce water at a high enough rate to match demand comes under pressure.”

To help maintain reservoir levels, the Thames-Coromandel District Council are tankering treated water from their water treatment plant in Matarangi to their reservoirs in Coromandel.

"All going well, we plan to be back to full production in a few days, but having the assistance of residents and visitors to conserve during this time, will be of great help," says Hinson.