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Gale force winds have caused havoc in parts of the country with thousands of homes left without power in Canterbury.
Lines were blown down in central Christchurch and strong wind also caused problems in Ashburton where a shed was blown across a railway line.
Parts of the west coast of the South Island had heavy rain overnight Friday and people are being urged to take care at river crossings.
Thunder and hail hit Canterbury on Saturday afternoon, forcing the postponement of the One Day cricket match against the West Indies.
Weather analyst Philip Duncan says the wild weather is a result of afternoon heating combined with unstable air conditions.
Duncan says thunderstorms over the North Island have dissipated, while heavy rain is moving into Waikato and Auckland.
Hot and humid weather continues ahead of the front, with Whangarei reaching 28 degrees at 3pm. The humidity that has been affecting Auckland for the last couple of days should ease after the front has passed through.
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