The Pelorus River in Marlborough is running high.
Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee

Marlborough district mayor Nadine Taylor has declared a localised state of emergency for parts of the region.

Fire and Emergency is helping residents amid extensive flooding in Richmond and Motueka.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place until 6pm in the Nelson District about and southeast of SH 6 and north of Nelson Lakes, also Marlborough about and north of Seddon.

Around 60 households in the township of Spring Creek, north of Blenheim have been advised to evacuate by 9am, ahead of peak river levels expected for the Wairau River about midday.

MetService had weather warnings for much of the North Island for later on Friday too, particularly Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Northland and Auckland.

High winds could close the Auckland Harbour bridge during the Friday morning commute, NZTA warned on Thursday.

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