A heavy rain watch has been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, as significant heavy rain is expected for parts of the North Island.

The heavy rain watch for these two regions is valid from 10pm on Sunday to 7pm on Monday. Periods of heavy rain are expected and rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

'A slow-moving front continues to affect the North Island on Sunday, and will do so also on Monday, bringing further periods of heavy rain to many parts of the North Island,” says a MetService spokesperson.

A heavy rain watch has also been issued for Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taihape, Whanganui and Manawatu and is valid from 9am to 5pm on Sunday. Periods of heavy ran are expected with rainfall accumulations expected to approach warning criteria.

Hawke's Bay and areas about and south of Napier also has been issued with a heavy rain watch which is valid from 9am Sunday to 6am on Monday. Periods of heavy ran are expected with rainfall amounts expected to approach warning criteria.

'The heaviest rain is expected in Taranaki until early Sunday afternoon where a red warning remains in force.”

People are strongly advised to keep up to date with the latest warnings and watches, and with information from local authorities.