Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, now a Category 3 storm with winds exceeding 150km/h, is moving south of Fiji towards New Zealand, where forecasters warn it could bring life-threatening winds and heavy rain to the North Island.

Northland, New Zealand, is under an orange heavy rain warning, while MetService is also tracking tropical cyclones in the South Pacific, including Vaianu. Additionally, Tropical Cyclone Maila is now posing an increasing threat to Queensland, Australia, this weekend.

The Fiji Meteorological Service announced that Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is not expected to have a direct impact on the country.

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu has intensified to a Category 2 storm and is currently tracking west-northwest of the Yasawa and Mamanuca island groups. Residents in the Fiji region are advised to monitor official updates.

Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (also referred to as Vainu) continues to intensify, leading to school closures across Fiji and prompting close monitoring for its potential threat of heavy rain and strong winds to New Zealand's North Island.