Severe winds and heavy rain hit parts of New Zealand

Friday 4 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 4 Sep, 7:28am

In this story MetService

A fast-moving weather front has brought heavy rain and strong winds to the South Island and central New Zealand. Wind gusts of up to 211km/h were recorded in the Canterbury high country, while orange strong wind warnings were issued for Wellington and Wairarapa.

How they headlined it

5:23am7:20am

1. StuffFri 4 Sep, 5:23am

   120kmh gusts forecast as heavy rain hits central NZ (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesFri 4 Sep, 7:20am

   Heavy rain for the South Island as Wellington braces for strong winds (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsFri 4 Sep, 7:28am

   Severe gale, heavy rain warnings as front packs a punch (opens in new tab)

   • 'Four seasons in one day': Wild winds, rain lash south and east NZ (opens in new tab) Fri 4 Sep, 7:28am