Cyclone Vaianu has made landfall near the Maketū Peninsula, bringing dangerous winds and heavy rain as severe weather warnings remain in place across much of the North Island.

Authorities say the system is now impacting a wide area, with orange heavy rain warnings stretching from Northland through Auckland and Great Barrier Island, across the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty, and into Gisborne and central North Island ranges. Parts of the South Island, including eastern Marlborough, are also under warning.

The most severe wind conditions are focused on Great Barrier Island, Coromandel, and the Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, where red strong wind warnings are in force.

Power outages are already affecting communities, with around 1000 homes without electricity between Waimamaku and Whirinaki, and more than 600 properties impacted in Coromandel.

Overnight, wind gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour were recorded in exposed areas around the outer Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel, highlighting the destructive potential of the system.

Emergency officials warn the combination of strong winds and persistent rain could lead to further outages, hazardous travel conditions, and an increased risk of flooding and slips.

Residents across affected regions are being urged to stay indoors where possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep up to date with official warnings as Cyclone Vaianu continues to move across the country.