A storm near NZ will bring gales and pockets of heavy rain into both main islands for the rest of this week with the risk of slips and flooding in some places.

The north-west of the South Island and other parts of the northern and western North Island are most at risk from the heavy rain.

We also break down wind risks and temperature changes – plus track a huge storm south of NZ next week which may not hit us but is likely to help produce a new rain maker in the Tasman Sea.

For those that need rain this is a positive forecast – but in some locations there is a chance it may be too much of a good thing.