Queenstown has declared a local state of emergency after dozens evacuated and severe weather continues to affect the South Island.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers made the declaration at 6.33am today (Friday 22nd September)

A heavy band of rain is slowly moving up the country, saturating the region.

A regional state of emergency was declared at 6pm on Thursday night.

Otago Regional Council's duty flood manager Tom Dyer said rain had been falling at the main divide since Wednesday night.

Forty-five people have been registered on their evacuation list and helped into accommodation, with an evacuation centre set up at the Queenstown Memorial Hall.

Queenstown Lakes District Council said emergency services were attending to slips along Reavers Lane and behind the Queenstown Cemetery, and some residents in the area were advised to evacuate.

A welfare centre was set up Otautau, north west of Invercargill, where the river was expected to rise to bridge height.

Welfare centres were also set up in Gore at the Croydon Lodge and at the Mataura Community Centre.

Meanwhile, Tuatapere ran out of water overnight after flooding damaged the treatment plant.

Three water tankers will be stationed in the town from 8am on Friday.

The Mataura River in Gore is contained at this stage, despite continued heavy rain.

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