UPDATE 6.09AM: Tauranga City Council building inspectors are expected to evaluate the damage of a landslide in Maungatapu later this morning.

SunLive received reports just after midnight of multiple houses being affected as aresult of what people said was a landslide.

In a statement on Facebook, council says they're aware of an incident involving house damage on Egret Avenue in Maungatapu.

"Some residents of Egret Avenue have been evacuated and an area is cordoned off by Police.

"Our building inspectors will be onsite later this morning to evaluate the damage, and we will provide updates when we have more information.

"Our thoughts are with the community and affected residents on Egret Avenue. Residents should follow the advice of Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and the New Zealand Police, and keep up to date with the latest weather information on the MetService New Zealand website."

EARLIER 12.05AM:

A house has collapsed in Maungatapu.

Members of the public have emailed SunLive to report that a house has collapsed in 21 Fantail Rd due to a landslide.

Emergency services at the scene in Maungatapu. Photos: Cameron Avery.

"The police is evacuating houses in neighbouring Egret Road."

SunLive has contacted police for more information and will provide an update when we can.

People are advised to avoid the area.

A slip is also blocking Welcome Bay Road, between James Cook Drive and Waitaha Road.

The slip on Welcome Bay Road. Photo: Cameron Avery.

Heavy rain has continued to lash the upper North Island since Friday.

A state of emergency has been declared in Auckland and Waitomo where severe flooding has impacted both regions.

A heavy rain warning and a severe thunderstorm watch remains in place for the Tauranga region.