Many locals in Brooklyn are flocking to the evacuation hub as heavy rain hits the region. Photo: Mary Argue / RNZ
Fire and Emergency is responding to multiple reports of people trapped by floodwaters in the Nelson Tasman region.
Some people are stuck in their homes and others in their cars, in many places around Motueka, FENZ said.
In Mārahau, two people were trapped by floodwater, Nelson Tasman Civil Defence group controller Alec Louverdis said.
They were no in danger but they were facing a night in isolation due to the flooding, Louverdis said.
He said the region was being smashed by rain and the situation had changed drastically in the past 40 minutes.
The situation in the region is "absolutely hectic", he said.
His message to residents was to stay out of any water and to not travel.
In Riwaka, about 20 residents were spending the night at an evacuation hub.
But the Riwaka Memorial Hall lost power about 4.30pm just as residents were beginning to arrive for the night.
Brooklyn residents and neighbours Ellie Henderson and Nadine Fletcher are among those spending the night at the evacuation hub and said they made the right call.
Water had been gradually rising, but is now a river from one side of her cottage to the other.
"I wasn't worried at first, but when the rubbish bin floated away and various things began moving ... we decided to work together and move when the time was right," she said. "Suddenly, the time was right when the water rose really fast.
"The rain started getting heavier, and it looked worse than it had ever been before, so it was worrying, but I'm not worried now, because we're in a safe place."
Because she lives on her own, she said the thought of leaving after dark was a little scary.
Henderson said her neighbour's car had water almost to the top of its wheels, but because hers was slightly higher, they were able to "make an escape".
Fletcher said, a couple of weeks ago, the heavy rain was just puddling, but now it was "a lot higher, and flowing through the property".
Power out in Tasman
Meanwhile, large parts of the Tasman District - including all of Motueka and Golden Bay - lost power about 4.20pm.
Lines company Network Tasman said it would try to restore electricity to Golden Bay on Friday evening, but with strong winds and road closures making it dangerous for crews, it would likely stay off overnight.
Network Tasman couldn't confirm how many properties were affected, but said it would be in the thousands.
