Weather

Forecasters issue widespread warnings for heavy rain, gales and snow across much of the country on Monday.

Acting controller Lucy Hicks also warned people to take care while cleaning up.

Tim Mackay says even lifelong residents were stunned by the intensity of Thursday's weather, which tore through Southland and Clutha.

RNZ spoke to some of those affected by the latest wild weather in the South Island - here are their stories.

Wild weather has helped fan flames in many areas of the country and a ban on open-air fires will stay in place until Monday.

Watch: Tuatapere was without power, phone or electricity for about 35 hours, until Friday night. Audio

MetService warns of a "burst of severe weather" on the public holiday, disrupting travel plans across the country.

Extreme winds have wreaked havoc across the lower South Island, where some face a week without power.

Authorities say people should check whether their plans will be affected by road closures, power outages and water shortages before travelling around the southern parts of the country. Audio

Power is still out in Eketahuna and internet and cell phone reception is patchy. Audio

While Craig Mackle was re-elected as Kaikōura Mayor, he was not yet sworn in, and could not declare a civil defence emergency during Thursday's weather.

A mostly fine weekend is forecast around the country but more rain and high winds are expected in some places on Labour Day. Audio

The wind was followed by rain that has saturated the inside of their home.

As conditions ease, the clean up is kicking in across the motu after trees were ripped clean from the ground, roofs lifted off, and fences and sheds sent flying. Audio