MetService has issued a severe weather watch for parts of northern and central New Zealand.

A Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for the Coromandel Peninsula. Heavy Rain Watches remain in force for parts of Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and eastern Marlborough.

"A low pressure system to the northeast of the North Island stays slow-moving today and drifts westwards during Sunday," says a MetService spokesperson.

"This weather system brings moist east to northeast winds to northern and central New Zealand."

Heavy Rain Warning:
Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 8 hours from 9:00am Sat 17 Jun to 5:00pm Sat 17 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Expect a further 40 to 70 mm of rain to accumulate on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 10 to 20 mm/h. Thunderstorms are possible.

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Note, rain or showers are expected to continue during the remainder of Saturday, and the Warning may be extended or replaced with a Watch.

Heavy Rain Watch:
Area: Bay of Plenty from Edgecumbe westwards
Valid: 39 hours from 9:00am Sat 17 Jun to 12:00am Mon 19 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms are possible.

Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti
Valid: 39 hours from 9:00am Sat 17 Jun to 12:00am Mon 19 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about the ranges. Thunderstorms are possible.

Area: Hawke's Bay south of Te Pohue
Valid: 48 hours from 9:00am Sat 17 Jun to 9:00am Mon 19 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms are possible.

Area: Eastern Marlborough south of Ward
Valid: 24 hours from 4:00am Sun 18 Jun to 4:00am Mon 19 Jun
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Watches no longer in Force
Heavy Rain Watch lifted for Great Barrier Island : The threat of warning amounts of rain has passed, and the watch is now lifted.

There is still uncertainty with the distribution and intensity of the heaviest rain, and people are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or new areas are added.