Southland farmers have been hit hard by flooding with new photos showing a number of farms underwater.
Rivers are rising and there are many road closures and landslips after extreme weather in the region.
MetService issued its first-ever 'red warning' for heavy rain in Westland south of Hokitika and Fiordland north of George Sound.
A state of emergency has also been declared in the Southland region by Civil Defence.
A series of photos posted to Facebook by High Country Helicopters show extensive flooding, with pastures underwater.
One image shows a tractor stranded in the middle of a flooded paddock near Waikaka, surrounded by hay bales.
Emergency Management Southland said a community hub had been set up at the Lumsden Community Hall for anyone wanting support and advice.
