The Government inquiry said iwi provided a "living example of what can be done in an emergency".
MetService earlier issued warnings.
Several major state highways are affected.
A thunderstorm and heavy rain warning is in place for Otago.
Gusty and wet Anzac commemorations could be on the cards for some.
It's going to be a cold start.
"The heaviest falls are likely to occur Thursday morning and again Thursday evening and night."
The inquiry looked into the response to the Auckland Anniversary floods, Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle.
NIWA forecaster Ben Noll shares what's on the cards for our weather.