Saturday will be a day for assessing damage and mopping up for many after high winds battered parts of the country yesterday.
By late last evening, MetService had lifted many strong wind watches around the country, although Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne were advised to remain cautious until early Saturday morning.
Heavy rain was also anticipated for Wairoa until noon Saturday.
Assessments were being carried out on the Interislander ferry Kaitaki yesterday after the vessel experienced “significant roll” on a sailing from Wellington to Picton.
Several passenger vehicles shifted as result of the rolling and sustained damage. One person received minor injuries on the ferry and was treated onboard.
Video taken aboard the Kaitaki ferry showed water splashing against the windows, and staff heard telling people to remain seated. (Source: Supplied)
MetService had warned of strong wind watches from southerly gales over central New Zealand and these were proved timely.
In Auckland’s eastern suburb of Buckland Beach, a recreational launch dragged free of its mooring and ruptured its hull on rocks.
The owners were out last night assessing the damage and a family friend told 1News a salvage attempt would be made early on Saturday, with hopes to float the vessel to the Half Moon Bay Marina for fuller scrutiny.
The Harbourmaster had been notified about the stricken launch.
On the east coast of the North Island, clean ups will continue on Saturday after trees were downed by the high winds and some roads were blocked.
Eastern police advised motorists to avoid the Gisborne Lookout on Wharerata Road due to high winds.
“The road is impassable due to trees down in many places.”
Police said motorists should only travel in the area if it was essential.
Resident Alex Shanks told 1News the high winds have downed trees all over Gisborne “and no doubt in other areas on the East Coast”.
“Roads are closed and backyard trees are causing damage.”
Shanks said weather warnings needed to be better and “more specific”.
MetService last night said it expected the gales and high seas caused as a result would gradually ease overnight into Saturday morning.