The south Island recovery may be put on hold - as more wet and windy weather arrives

MetService has issued orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings and watches for both islands today and tomorrow.

Snow's forecast for some lower South Island roads.

States of emergency persist for Southland, Clutha and Kaikoura - and thousands of homes in Otago and Southland have no power.

Boil-water notices remain for Greymouth and Clutha.

Emergency Response Minister Mark Mitchell says more central government support's likely - given the damage.

He says they will identify and respond to the need as they work through it.