Cyclone Cook is bringing what has been called the worst storm to hit New Zealand since the 1968 Wahine disaster.
The Thames‑Coromandel District on the North Island of New Zealand has declared a civil defence emergency ahead of the storm, and warned holiday-makers to stay away for the next few days.
The New Zealand Ministry of Education advised 94 schools and 130 early learning centres to close today.
The affected areas are: Eastern Bay of Plenty, Franklin, Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island, Thames and Coromandel.
New Zealand MetService warned some areas could experience up to 250mm of rain in the 48 hours from midday yesterday, gusts of 150km/h or more, large waves in excess of 5m and storm surges.
Meteorologist Lisa Murray said the public was not taking the approaching storm seriously enough.
New Zealand MetService said people should make efforts to stock up on supplies in the event of power cuts and road closures, avoid travel and stay up to date with warnings.
It said the most intense weather was expected to hit land about 6pm tomorrow, but high winds and downpours would start earlier.
Source: Radio NZ
