STORM LATEST
* A state of emergency remains in force for Nelson-Tasman and Westland;
* Emergency Management minister to assess damage today;
* More than 200 people were forced to evacuate their homes;
* Defence personnel patrolled streets overnight in Nelson;
* Storm strikes Auckland - yacht sinks; Far North cut off by slips

The Maitai River is rising again and hundreds remain forced from their homes in Nelson and Buller as a super-charged deluge continues to swamp parts of New Zealand. Rivers are breaching banks, roads are closed and strong winds are downing trees.

The tropically fuelled storm, which has seen dumped more than 300mm of rain in parts of the South Island since midnight yesterday, is now wreaking havoc at the top of the country, where toppled trees are blocking major roads and rivers are beginning to breach banks.

Much of the North Island, including Auckland, is under a swathe of strong wind and heavy rain warnings. Fierce conditions are not expected to let up until tomorrow.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty is due to visit flood-hit Nelson today as large sections of the city remain under water.