Much of the country faces severe weather warnings as the weekend - and the school holiday - begins. For regions already struck by rain and snow, clean-ups are underway.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) officials have been working closely with geotechnical engineers to determine a safe approach to clearing debris on Upper Brecon Street. The situation has evolved over the course of the day. The team is continuing .
6.15pm update from QLDC regarding state of emergency in Queenstown voxy.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from voxy.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.