A man was injured when the caravan he was inside was lifted up and "thrown through the air" by a reported tornado that cut power to nearly 200 properties in the Manawatū region this afternoon.
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Fire and Emergency NZ said a tornado was understood to have gone through a motor camp by Dudding Lake at around 12.40pm, where three others were assessed.
St John said one person was being taken to Whanganui Hospital in a moderate condition.
Jamie Stratford said on a Givealittle page her father's caravan was picked up and "absolutely flattened" with him in it.
"Dad is OK, thankfully, just shaken after a very traumatic ride," she said.
"Dad is a man who will help anyone at the drop of a hat, but is also stubborn and will never ask for help. We are reaching out for help to get dad into a new place to call home."
Damage was also reported near Bulls, with trees uprooted and damage to small structures.
Rangitīkei District Council said the extent of the damage was being assessed and urged the public to avoid the area until further notice.
“We will keep people updated as more information comes to hand,” the council said in a statement.
Lines company PowerCo said 187 properties were without power from 12.29pm due to a tornado, with an estimated restoration time of 4.30pm.
MetService's earlier forecast for the area included heavy rainfall at times with possible thunderstorms.
"Downpours and hail possible from mid afternoon. Strong southeasterlies, turning westerly for a time this afternoon."
The area was not under a severe weather warning or watch.
Bulls resident Kereopa Reweti-Wright told 1News his property was "hammered" and he was "gobsmacked" by the level of damage caused by the strong winds.
"Our brand-new [trampoline] is twisted in the trees and our implement shed has been torn apart."
Dudding Lake is located around 9km southwest of Marton.
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