Civil Defence
Latest on Bridge Hill blaze
More ground crews will be on deck today to continue battling the high-country scrub fire that's been burning in Canterbury. Audio
New technology could keep communications going during disasters
A new type of technology will connect Tai Rāwhiti communities to civil defence during disasters - even when all other communications are wiped out. Audio
VR used to help residents prepare for tsunamis
Tauranga Emergency Management is using virtual reality to help teach residents about what to do during potential earthquakes and tsunamis on the Mount Maunganui coastline. Tauranga Emergency… Audio
Hearing underway for Cyclone Gabrielle victims in Hawke's Bay
A coronial inquiry is being held at Hastings District Court to decide which issues will be considered by the coroner looking into the 12 deaths caused by the cyclone.
West Coast main highway cut off, businesses worried
Businesses say tourists can't reach them as the highway connecting West Coast communities is closed north of Haast, after severe weather.
Are we ready for the big one to strike?
Hundreds of people across three regions will be responding to the aftermath of a major Alpine Fault quake in a civil defence exercise this week.
Cuba faces third day of blackouts as Hurricane Oscar nears
Just 16 percent of the country had power restored when the aging energy grid again overloaded.
PM denies knowledge of declined Dunedin flood risk mitigation plan
Otago floods destruction is "devastating", the PM says, but he was unaware of a government-declined plan to reduce risk to residents. Audio
Counting the damage from Otago floods - What you need to know
What you need to know about roads, essential services, where to get help, and today's weather.
Otago’s wet week – in pictures
Twice a season's worth of rain within days caused mayhem in Otago this week.
New Zealand Response Teams taking part in earthquake simulation
Exercise Poseidon is a 36-hour event based on the scenario of a major earthquake hitting Wellington.
The big Dunedin clean-up
People in Dunedin are waking up to a massive clean up job after two days of deluge forced people from their flooded homes and created several slips. Audio
Dunedin cut off with properties underwater due to heavy rain
More properties are underwater and a city is completely cut off - as the rain continues to pummel the lower south island. Flooding, slips and holes forming on SH 1 have made driving trecherous - and… Audio
Dunedin: 100 people evacuated homes overnight
Dunedin residents who watched helplessley as floodwaters rose up around their homes are hoping the worst of the wet weather is over ... and yet the rain keeps on falling. The city has experienced its… Audio
One of Dunedin's wettest days in a century
Dunedin is experiencing one of its wettest days in over a century, with MetService extending its red rain warning to 11 o'clock Friday night. RNZ reporter Tess Brunton spoke to Jemima Huston. Audio
Power cut off in parts of Otago after heavy rain and slips
Glenda Wallace who lives at Toko Mouth near Milton in Clutha told Midday Report her coastal community of around 70 houses has no power and is cut off by road. Wallace spoke to Jemima Huston. Audio
Otago residents told to stay inside as rain continues to fall
Flooding and slips have closed roads across Otago and residents are being advised to stay home and not drive unless absolutely necessary. Emergency Management Otago controller Chris Henderson spoke to… Audio
People told not to travel on roads in Otago due to weather
Civil defence has activated its bunker in Dunedin and people are being told to be prepared and not to travel - with a deluge of rain expected to last until late tomorrow night. It's hitting North… Audio
Otago region braces for heavy rain
Dunedin's Civil Defence bunker is being activated as the region prepares for very heavy rain which presents a "threat to life" according to MetService. MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris and… Audio
Govt proposes changes to jury trials
A criminal defence lawyer doesn't think the government's proposed changes to jury trials will unclog the court system. Criminal defence lawyer Marie Dyhberg KC spoke to Jemima Huston. Audio
