People might be bringing in the New Year among wind and rain - rather than a sunny outdoor countdown

All five celebrations run by the Tauranga City Council have been called off -- people are asked to watch the fireworks from their house - it's not definite they're even going ahead at this stage.

Christchurch and Dunedin will face showers in the morning, then again around midday.

Thunderstorms and hail are also possible.

The capital will wake up to rain, and see gusts of around 120 kilometres an hour in some places.

Auckland's in for a rainy afternoon, with possible thunder.

A number of severe weather watches and warnings are in place across the country.