A huge high over Tasmania will take this entire week to reach NZ – then this weekend crosses NZ bringing settled weather before departing early next week bringing rain and mild winds.

The rain next week could be welcome news for those in Waikato and Auckland dealing with drought.

Meanwhile in Australia a storm system will pass Perth and WA later today and tonight, with plenty of easterly showers for the eastern side.

Cyclone Gina no longer exists north of NZ – it fell apart on Saturday after three days over Vanuatu as a Category 1 cyclone. It poses no threat to NZ despite the remnants passing close to our North East this week.