The upper North Island should brace itself for strong north-easterly winds and heavy rain.
A severe weather watch has been issued for parts of central and northern New Zealand by MetService, which is warning people to be alert of any changes over the coming days.
A warning for heavy rain is currently in force for Gisborne, from Tolaga Bay northwards, and for the eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty.
Rainfall of potentially up to 75mm may hit Gisborne on Sunday afternoon and into Monday morning, while Auckland should also prepare for thunderstorms and localised downpours, MetService says.
The City of Sails as well as Northland and Great Barrier Island could also be hit with severe gales in exposed places on Sunday morning, before the winds move south in the afternoon.
Metservice has also warned that strong winds and king tides could create a risk of heavy swells and wave inundation for coastal areas.
Newshub.
