Update by The Daily Examiners, Mike Bain.

Weather conditions around New Zealand are forecasted to ease with a high about to descend on the country bringing welcome relief to areas battered by the latest storm which has caused flooding brought about by high winds a rain.

A local state of emergency is still in place for Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and the flood-hit Selwyn district. While rain has been easing there’s concern over surface flooding in Selwyn District and closed roads in Banks Peninsula.

There are no remaining weather warnings or watches for Canterbury.

For wellington there appears to be some sense of normal returning as flight resume into the airport even if it is a breath-holding type situation for people trying to fly into the capital this morning. While some flights have managed to land, others have had to loop around and attempt landing a second time, with one even abandoning ship and heading back to Christchurch. 

Wellington Airport said it was still a wet and windy day, but conditions had eased enough for some flights to begin operating. 

They started to receive flights at 7am, but warned of further disruptions depending on the conditions.  

Despite the conditions having eased compared to yesterday, there were still strong gales. 

Sailings on Interislander have been cancelled though to this afternoon.

Power outages have rippled across the Wellington region with at least 7 in the city, Wellington Electricity advised at 9am.

Residents on Wellington’s south coast, particularly those in Ōwhiro Bay, have been advised to consider staying elsewhere due to the threat of storm surges. The area remains under a heavy swell warning.

 An Orange strong wind warning expired overnight, but an Orange heavy rain warning remains for the capital and Wairarapa south of Masterton, while a heavy swell warning is in place.