The big storm continues to churn just near Stewart Island today with a colder change spreading up NZ.

Winds will still be into gale force through a number of regions, but the area with severe gales diminishes.

Western areas still get the bulk of the showers while many in the north and east of both islands are dry.

We also have a quick chat about La Nina and how we may be looking back at the tropics again by the end of January.