MetService is advising that a Heavy Rain Watch put in place on Friday has now been lifted for Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, Rotorua, and the Coromandel peninsula.

"The threat of rainfall amounts reaching warning criteria has passed and the Watch is now lifted," says a MetService spokesperson.

A Severe Weather Watch is in place for other parts of New Zealand today, with heavy rain forecast for the east from Gisborne to Otago, and also in the north of the South Island.

"A trough lies slow moving over the country this weekend bringing rain to many areas.

"Heavy rain warnings and watches are in force for areas in the east from Gisborne to Otago, and also in the north of the South Island."

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case more areas are added, or changes are made.

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

Heavy Rain Warning is in place for these areas;
Area: Gisborne/Tairawhiti
Valid: 21 hours from 9:00am Sat 8 Jul to 6:00am Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, mainly about higher ground. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h.

Area: Hawke's Bay south of state highway 5
Valid: 24 hours from 6:00pm Sat 8 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Expect 100 to 130 mm of rain about the ranges and eastern hills south of Hastings, and 50 to 80 mm elsewhere. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected from Sunday morning about the ranges and eastern hills.

Heavy Rain Watch is in place for these areas:
Area: The remainder of Hawke's Bay not under warning, that's the area about and north/east of state highway 5
Valid: 24 hours from 6:00pm Sat 8 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially near the Whareratas.

Area: Wairarapa including the Tararua District, and the eastern hills of Wellington
Valid: 30 hours from 12:00pm Sat 8 Jul to 6:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria, especially about higher ground.

Area: The Richmond and Bryant ranges, including the Rai Valley area and the Marlborough Sounds
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Sat 8 Jul to 6:00pm Sat 8 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Eastern Marlborough south of Ward
Valid: 30 hours from 3:00pm Sat 8 Jul to 9:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Tasman District, west of Mapua
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am Sat 8 Jul to 6:00pm Sat 8 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: Banks Peninsula
Valid: 12 hours from 3:00am Sun 9 Jul to 3:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Area: North Otago and Dunedin
Valid: 12 hours from 2:00am Sun 9 Jul to 2:00pm Sun 9 Jul
Forecast: Periods of rain, possibly heavy at times. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.