Former Cyclone Gita hits New Zealand, bringing floods and high winds

Former Cyclone Gita has hit New Zealand, disrupting power supplies, flooding areas, closing roads and disrupting public transport.

Although its been downgraded to a storm its high winds have brought gusts of up to 150 kilometres per hour and a state of emergency has been declared in seven districts.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said soldiers have been mobilised to the worst-hit areas where people have been advised to stay indoors until the storm passes.

The storm has also confused meteorologists after it split into two eyes over South Island.