There is an Orange Heavy Rain Warning in place for Hawke’s Bay today and tomorrow.
The warning is for the period up until 10am tomorrow, with up to 200mm of rain expected about the ranges, and for north of Hastings.
Up to 100mm of rain is expected for other areas of the region.
Metservice forecasters say the heaviest falls are likely from 3pm today, with peak rates of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.
Meanwhile there is a Heavy Rain Watch for Tararua District.
The watch is for the 19-hour period from 1am to 8pm tomorrow, with rainfall amounts possibly approaching warning criteria.
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The boil water notice for the Waipukurau township has been lifted.
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council lifted the notice yesterday following three days of clear testing at the water treatment plant.
The Council says it will begin removing water tankers and remaining portaloos in the town.
Despite the boil water notice being lifted, Waipukurau will remain at Level 3 water restrictions.
Residents of Waipawa and Otane, which are on Level 4 restrictions, are still advised to boil their water.
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The Government has made a $150,000 donation to the Tararua Mayoral Relief Fund.
The announcement was made by Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty earlier this week.
The Mayoral Relief Fund is open for donations to help support Tararua communities find their feet after the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Mayor Tracey Collis said she was extremely grateful to the government for its donation, and said they had also received more than $20,000 in donations from the public to date.
She said to see our people pull together to help each other out, and be so generous in many ways is truly heartening.
People can donate to the Tararua District Council bank account, or in person at Council Service Centres and Libraries.
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The lifting of the boil water notice will see the indoor pool at the Centralines Sports Complex re-open to the public.
All pool activities, including swimming lessons, will resume today.
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Central Hawke’s Bay had reports of suspicious behaviour around evacuated properties last week.
Senior Constable Andy Walker said Police had reports last Tuesday night of vehicles driving around the lower end of Waipawa, and again on Drumpeel Road when that was evacuated later in the week.
He said local Police have stepped up patrols following Cyclone Gabrielle.
