Parts of Southland and Clutha are cut off and states of emergency are still in place despite rain in the region easing off

The Clutha and Mataura Rivers are in danger of spilling over floodbanks and residents in parts of Gore, Mataura and Balclutha have been evacuated

Those evacuated in Gore have been allowed back home - the others will have to wait.

Dozens of roads in the deep south are still closed

There's been a staggering amount of rain - Gore has had 152mm of rain in three days.

The town's normal February average rainfall is 42mm.