Wild weather is forecast to ease after battering much of central New Zealand on Friday, but many are still without power.

Strong winds are battering the North and Upper South Islands, cancelling ferrys and flights, closing highways, and cutting power to homes.

Dozens of flights to and from Wellington are being cancelled as heavy winds cut power, damage roofs and prompt emergency callouts around the country.

A powerful storm has brought Wellington to a standstill, grounding flights and leaving thousands without power

National weather agency warns of heavy rain and winds up to 120kph

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The weather across the North Island is not expected to be as wild as it has been.

Wild weather is forecast to ease after battering much of central New Zealand on Friday, but many are still without power.

Wellington Airport running as normal, but some lower North Island highways still affected.

Wild weather is forecast to ease after battering much of central New Zealand on Friday, but many are still without power and the town of Martinborough is cut off.

Some communities may remain isolated until the middle of next week.

Flooding and landslides hit several areas after a low-pressure system moves across the country

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