Heavy rain causes havoc

Bad weather caused havoc for emergency services across the upper North Island last night as rain battered the region.

Fire shift manager Jaron Phillips said firefighters were called to deal with a landslip on Titirangi’s Scenic Drive.

About three tonnes of debris, including dirt, rocks and trees, were blocking the road between Titirangi and Waiatarua.

There are also slips on State Highway 25 between Waihi and Whiritoa.

Around Auckland several homes and garages were flooded and are having water pumped out.

Police said the Scenic Dr landslide was near the Arataki Visitors Centre.

Traffic began to ease on the city’s motorways last night after it was earlier at near-gridlock.