Chris Luxon is in disaster-hit Wairoa today, assessing damage from recent rainfall

It's his first visit as Prime Minister to Hawke's Bay - one of the regions most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in February.

Heavy rain hit Wairoa and Tairawhiti late last month, with flooding cutting off rural communities and closing more than 20 roads.

Extensive rain earlier that month meant homes had to be evacuated and schools closed.

Luxon's touring damaged parts of the region and meeting council representatives, and will later speak to the media.