MetService said a "huge" wind gust of 230km/h was recorded on Pudding Hill in the Marlborough region on Thursday.

At least 55 flights have been cancelled at Christchurch Airport, highways are closed and power is out in some places as forecast wild winds lash the country.

Irritated firefighters had to educate a Canterbury man about the dangers of lighting a backyard rubbish fire after a neighbour saw the smoke and flames and phoned 111.

Looking dead and buried at half-time, after conceding a 20-0 lead, the Kiwi Ferns stormed back in the second half of their Pacific Championships opener in Auckland.

Three months ago, twin brothers Matt and Josh Tromp were taking down the likes of Australian captain Pat Cummins and Pakistan quick Haris Rauf. Now they are playing in the Metro club premiership.