National

230kmh gust as winds batter much of NZ

Updated 10.42 pm

Wild weather has lashed much of NZ, cutting power, closing highways and causing flooding and chaos for travellers. Some Canterbury residents are being encouraged to evacuate due to rising rivers.

Former PM Jim Bolger farewelled

Former PM Jim Bolger farewelled

Tributes have been paid to former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, with hundreds travelling from around the country to attend his funeral in Kapiti.

Evacuations as crews struggle to reach Hanmer Springs blaze

Fire at Hanmer Springs. Photo: Supplied / Gavin Martin

Evacuations as crews struggle to reach Hanmer Springs blaze

A small number of homes and luxury hotel Braemar Lodge have been evacuated near Hanmer Springs because of a large fire.

High winds tip truck over on Canterbury highway

The truck rolled on State Highway 73, west of Springfield. Photo: NZTA

High winds tip truck over on Canterbury highway

A truck has rolled in high winds on State Highway 73 in Canterbury.

Wild weather: What you need to know

A trampoline mangled by recent wild winds. Photo: RNZ

Wild weather: What you need to know

Hundreds of thousands of people are being urged to stay home on Thursday as life-threatening gale force winds blast parts of the country.

Race to control Kaikōura fires before severe weather hits

Fire crews in Kaikōura are bracing for more severe gales as they battle multiple blazes that destroyed five homes and several other buildings.

Car theft story unravels after police find drugs, weapons

Police have recovered guns, knives, batons and hatchets from an allegedly stolen vehicle after an incident in Christchurch.

'Very unusual': Man found dead in Chch finally identified

The man's backpack was located with his body on September 19. Photo: Police

'Very unusual': Man found dead in Chch finally identified

A man whose death in Christchurch sparked a search to find out who he was has now been formally identified.

'Strong likelihood' measles spreading in the community

'Strong likelihood' measles spreading in the community

Health officials are warning there's a strong likelihood measles is spreading in the community after four cases, including two children, were confirmed this week.

GP named as victim of tree accident

Dr Richard Tyler Photo: Supplied / NZ Doctor

GP named as victim of tree accident

Wellington specialist GP Richard Tyler died after apparently being struck by a falling tree branch during high winds in the capital, according to a health website.

State of emergency in Canterbury, capital shutting down

A state of emergency has been declared for Canterbury and Wellington is shutting down as parts of the country brace for "life-threatening" winds.

Weather forces change to Dunedin mega strike

Participants in the 2023 Association of Salaried Medical Specialists’ protest in Cumberland St...

Weather forces change to Dunedin mega strike

Several public sector unions say Thursday's mega strike will go ahead, though severe weather has forced some rallies indoors.

Originair picks up Blenheim-Christchurch connection

Nelson-based carrier Originair is offering flights for much of the week between Blenheim and...

Originair picks up Blenheim-Christchurch connection

Small airline Originair is operating new weekday and Sunday flights connecting Blenheim and Christchurch.

Labour scathing of ads targeting 'mega strike'

Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche. Photo: RNZ

Labour scathing of ads targeting 'mega strike'

The Labour Party is concerned the Public Service Commissioner is acting in an "overly politicised way", as teachers and health workers prepare for a 'mega strike' this week.

Vehicles destroyed in hospital carpark blaze

The fire in the Whangārei Hospital staff damaged multiple cars. Photo: Susan Edmunds

Vehicles destroyed in hospital carpark blaze

A blaze that damaged dozens of cars in a Whangarei Hospital carpark is believed to have been caused by a hot exhaust pipe igniting long grass nearby.

Watch: Pedestrian blown into traffic by Wellington wind

A dramatic video shows the moment a pedestrian is blown off their feet and into traffic in Wellington.

Tree falls on Christchurch school bus

The bus was waiting for the school pick up at the Rapaki bus stop when the tree fell on top of it...

Tree falls on Christchurch school bus

A large tree fell on a Christchurch Metro bus this afternoon, just before it was about to pick up school children.

Wild weather wreaks havoc for many

One person has died, thousands are without power and evacuation warnings have been issued while multiple scrub fires burn, as severe winds buffet parts of NZ.

Planes grounded at Christchurch Airport

Operations at Christchurch Airport have been paused, leading to the cancellation of flights in and out of the city due to severe weather.

Warnings as weather hikes outdoor fire risks

Warnings as weather hikes outdoor fire risks

Fire officials are warning of an elevated fire danger in many areas, including Southland, as ongoing wild spring weather hammers the country.

Search form

Search form

Updated 10.42 pm