A new lake formed by a landslide in the Waiorongomai Valley is being closely watched ahead of expected heavy rain, which is seeing Tairāwhiti's state of emergency extended.
The lake was created by a large landslide on privately-owned land, and is thought to be about 1km long in length.
Rain brought by cyclone Hale ravaged the region last week, causing floods, slips and power cuts. A state of emergency in Tairāwhiti was expected to be lifted at 10pm this evening, but will now remain in place.
Nature is as nature does.