Floodwaters have surged through the Bay of Plenty town of Edgecumbe with almost the entire town of 1600 residents evacuated after the Rangitaiki River burst its banks.
The water came through between a third and a half of the town; the other half was dry but still at risk.
Whakatāne Mayor Tony has described the flooding as a one-in-500 year event.
Read a summary of what happened or follow RNZ's live blog for the latest updates as they happen.
Are you affected by the flooding? If it's safe for you to do so, you can email photos and video to RNZ at iwitness@radionz.co.nz. Please include your contact details if you are willing to speak to one of our reporters.