NZ Civil Defence are advising everyone to stay inside and don't drive unless absolutely necessary as Cyclone Dovi cuts across New Zealand.

"Cyclone Dovi is crossing the motu and warnings are in place for much of Aotearoa," says a NEMA spokesperson.

Some flights out of Wellington and Christchurch have been cancelled with some Tauranga Airport arrivals also affected.

"Stay inside, don't drive unless absolutely necessary. Follow your local CDEM group, @MetService and @NZTA."

SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE
Cyclone Dovi is crossing the motu and warnings are in place for much of Aotearoa. Stay inside, don't drive unless absolutely necessary. Follow your local CDEM group, @MetService and @NZTA
(pix: slip SH2 at Melling, Kerikeri, SH1 at Plimmerton, Taranaki) pic.twitter.com/Ce9bcUnj86

— National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) February 12, 2022

Windy across much of northern and central NZ. Here is a selection of recent observations https://t.co/ziBZZ8yIbP PL pic.twitter.com/w7ro4jnNT4

— MetService (@MetService)

There are multiple power cuts reported earlier across the North Island, including Coromandel and Waikato.

In the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel there have been further power cuts, in Whakamarama and Whitianga.

At 11.07am the power to 723 properties in Whakamarama was cut off. Power is expected to be restored by 3.15pm

At 11.21am, 151 properties in Whakamarama had a power outage. Power is expected to be restored to these properties by 3.30pm.

Whitianga had a power cut at 10.13am with 9721 properties affected. The cause of the power outage is wind-blown debris, not trees. Power is expected to be restored by 3pm.

Site investigations are underway for both power outages.

At 9.30am, 353 properties were reported without power in Waihi and 333 without power in Waikino. In Paeroa 498 properties also had a power cut. Site investigations are underway.

A power outage due to strong winds at Port Charles, Coromandel, is affecting 304 properties. Power is expected to be restored there by 1pm.

Earlier, there were power cuts reported after 8.30am to 528 properties in Matamata, 34 properties in Whitianga, 51 properties in Whangamata and 112 properties in Paengaroa. Power is expected to be restored to these properties by Sunday afternoon.

Currently in Wellington.

Baring Head
Sustained wind: 122 km/h
Top wind gust: 156 km/h

Gusts have been frequently exceeding 100 km/h at our Greta Point location. pic.twitter.com/5v9QaSGMZj

— NIWA Weather (NiwaWeather)

State Highway 1 in Plimmerton. Photo: NEMA.