One person has died while clearing floodwaters in Tasman

Local states of emergency are in place for Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough as the regions have been battered by strong winds and heavy rain.

Police were called to Wai-iti, south-east of Wakefield, this morning after a person was reportedly hit by a tree while clearing flood damage.

They say the person died at the scene despite efforts by emergency services.

Marlborough Emergency Management says its response is winding down and transitioning to a recovery phase.

Clean up efforts are also underway in Taranaki's Waitara where 11 homes were damaged by a suspected tornado.