Torrential rain has again hammered Gisborne and Wairoa, forcing families to evacuate as flooding quickly rose early this morning.

In the Gisborne suburb of Mangapapa, 15 households had to leave.

The heavy rain warning is in place until 1-o'clock for Gisborne, and 2-o'clock for Wairoa.

RNZ's reporter in Gisborne Kate Green spoke to Māni Dunlop.