Kiwis preparing for Cyclone Lusi

Cyclone Lusi is broadening her target area with most of the North Island, and the top half of the South Island now in her sights.

The north will be hit first, but a flood-fatigued Christchurch could be in for another soaking, prompting the city council to prepare for the worst.

Those planning outdoor festival events are thinking again.

"A lot of our market and vendors run out of pop-up gazebos three metres by three metres, and in high winds they can become sails and frankly dangerous," said Silo Park Festival's Simon Van Prague.

At Vidal Estate in Hastings, pickers are working 24/7 to bring in a bumper chardonnay crop in case high winds strip the vines.

"The loss of the fruit would be catastrophic, significant at least, and the disease would spread and the quality of the wine would be affected," said Vidal Estate's Hugh Crichton.

So far the only high winds visible is an unrelated miniature tornado in the Waikato.

But as the Bay of Plenty enjoyed autumn, Civil Defence was getting ready and urging others to do the same.

Clinton Naude from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence says to clear drains, gutters, and to secure outdoor objects.

"We don't want the children's trampoline on the neighbour's roof."

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Kiwis preparing for Cyclone Lusi