Cyclone Tam is bringing wind and rain to the upper North Island - as it edges closer to New Zealand

Weather warnings and watches are in place for the north, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty - and Tasman - for progressive heavy rain and strong wind in periods, until midnight Friday.

Power outages are peppering parts of Northland - and lines have come down at Silverdale, on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast Highway.

Auckland's Harbour Bridge has been reduced to two lanes each way - and Coastguard is urging people to stay off the water for the next 48 hours.

Auckland Airport is bringing in extra staff for the peak Easter travel period, during the severe weather.