MetService says the strong winds that battered the South Island and lower North are now easing - but there are still a few things to keep an eye on.

Red wind warnings have lifted for Canterbury, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha, Wellington and Wairarapa.

Widespread power outages remain across Canterbury, Wairarapa, Manawatu-Whanganui, Marlborough and Southland, where some repairs could take more than a week.

The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the damage further.

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