Heavy rain and severe gale warnings started lifting overnight as Cyclone Vaianu moved away from the North Island.

Emergency hubs in Northland, Auckland, Thames-Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty closed overnight as conditions eased.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says floodwaters are receding across Coromandel, with sections of State Highway 25 set to reopen once it is safe.

Wastewater systems in Coromandel and Thames remain under pressure, with controlled overflows and contamination warnings in place for some waterways.

Multiple sections of State Highway 2 remain closed across Gisborne and Wairoa, along with SH35 and other key routes. No detours are available in many areas.

Key highways also remain closed in the Bay of Plenty due to flooding and fallen trees.

Crews will begin assessing and clearing roads from 7am, reopening routes once safe.

Whakatāne residents are urged to avoid travel due to fallen trees and potentially live power lines, and to conserve water as crews begin damage assessments.

Hastings residents have been warned to avoid rivers as water from the ranges moves into low-lying areas.

More soon...