Wellington Declares State of Emergency

The intense storm has caused significant infrastructure damage, with landslides and submerged vehicles reported across the region.

Mayor Tory Whanau stated she has 'never known anything like' the overnight rainfall, which has left thousands of homes at risk.

Emergency services are currently searching for a missing man in the suburb of Karori after his property was inundated.

Forecasters have upgraded rain warnings as the weather system continues to batter the North Island.