Anyone hoping the storm battering the country is a temporary event should avoid the latest predictions from NIWA.

The research institute says that La Nina conditions are likely to persist until the end of March, with above average temperatures likely across the country.

Higher than normal rainfall is expected in the North Island, while the South Island is likely to have near normal, or above normal, rainfall.

NIWA principal scientist Chris Brandolino said warmer than usual sea temperatures could help produce similar storms like the downpour this week.

"It wouldn't be unusual if that happened again. We're not guaranteeing it, but given the weather setup, it's something that we think is an elevated risk."

Bradolini said that the oceans can influence weather, and that "does increase the risk for heavy rainfall producing storms. Much like what we saw with this most recent event coming off the Queensland Coast."