Heavy rain in the North Island has caused surface flooding in Taranaki this afternoon.

WeatherWatch.co.nz’s New Plymouth reporter Greg Taylor says there has been a lot of surface flooding in the city today.

“It eased up around noon but there is still lots of water on the roads with drains blocked by leaves”.

The rain is expected to last all day in the north and west of both islands reports the weather news authority.

More heavy rain is heading into Taranaki as well this afternoon.

Meanwhile the rain has dumped much needed moisture across Northland.  WeatherWatch.co.nz reader “Shawn” says he has recorded 130mm rain over the past three days just north of Dargaville.

But the heavy rain isn’t reaching everyone.  Waikato farmer Brian Barclay, who lives near Te Awamutu, said he had only recorded 3mm by the end of yesterday.  Another WeatherWatch.co.nz reader “Surfy” said Hamilton had only recorded 24.4mm to date.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says while the rain has been widespread across the north and west of New Zealand it has been a bit patchy, with some farms in the Waikato not receiving as much as their regional neighbours.

WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts rain should be heavier today across Waikato giving farmers a much needed boost.

Images / Greg Taylor, WeatherWatch.co.nz